2 syllables: con, tact. Stress on con.
KAHN-takt
/ˈkɑˌntækt/
contact is pronounced KAHN-takt (/ˈkɑˌntækt/). It has two syllables (con-tact), with the stress on "con". Contact can function as a noun or verb, referring to the act of touching or communicating, or as a relationship or connection. It connotes an interaction that brings things together or establishes contact for information, trading, or access. In practice, it spans physical touch, interpersonal communication, and network or linkage contexts, often implying a point of contact or a channel for exchange.
Contact can function as a noun or verb, referring to the act of touching or communicating, or as a relationship or connection. It connotes an interaction that brings things together or establishes contact for information, trading, or access. In practice, it spans physical touch, interpersonal communication, and network or linkage contexts, often implying a point of contact or a channel for exchange.
- Nit: Common errors include misplacing stress (stressing the second syllable as CON-tact in some attempts) and softening the final /t/ to a stop or dropping it in casual speech. - Also, some learners merge /k/ and /t/ as a single affricate in rapid speech, producing something like /ˈkɒndækt/. - Another frequent error is mispronouncing the second syllable vowel as /ə/ or /ɪ/ instead of /æ/; this changes the word’s recognition. - Correction tips: practice the two-syllable sequence slowly, then add a clean /t/ release, ensuring the middle /n/ remains distinct; rehearse minimal pairs with /k/ + /æ/; record and compare to native samples to maintain accuracy.
"- I lost contact with the old writing group after moving away."
"- Please contact customer support if you have any questions."
"- The two wires must be in contact to complete the circuit."
Pronounce it as /ˈkɒn.tækt/ in US, UK, and AU. The stress sits on the first syllable: CON-tact. Start with a clipped /k/ followed by the short open back /ɒ/ like 'cot', then /n/; the second syllable uses /tækt/ with a clear /æ/ as in 'cat' and a final /t/. Mouth: tip of tongue behind upper teeth for /t/, jaw slightly open, lips neutral. For audio reference, listen to reputable dictionaries or Forvo entries of contact.
Common errors include misplacing stress (saying con-TACT) and conflating the /æ/ with /ə/ in some speakers. Another mistake is delaying the final /t/ or replacing it with a glottal stop in rapid speech. To correct: keep the first syllable stressed (/ˈkɒn/) and articulate the mid vowel /æ/ clearly before the final /kt/ cluster, ensuring the /t/ is released, not dropped.
In US and UK, the initial vowel is a short /ɒ/; rhotics affect surrounding vowels in US. The difference lies mainly in vowel quality: US /ˈkɑːn.tækt/ in some dialects? Actually US often uses /ˈkɒn.tækt/ or /ˈkɑn.tækt/ depending on rhoticity and backness. UK generally /ˈkɒn.tækt/ with non-rhotic r; AU similar to UK but with Australian vowel height more centralized. Overall, the stress pattern remains first-syllable stress; the main variation is vowel height/backness and rhoticity influence in connected speech.
Two focal points: the tense, short vowel in the first syllable /ɒ/ can be tricky for speakers whose native vowels differ; and the final consonant cluster /kt/ requires precise t-release after a vowel, often leading to a glottal stop or a delayed release. Practicing the /n/ before /t/ helps avoid an intrusive /n/ or nasalization. Mastery comes from practicing the sequence /ˈkɒn.tækt/ with clean tongue-tip contact and a crisp /t/ release.
Yes, in rapid speech the first syllable vowel may be slightly reduced toward /ɒ/ or even weakened to /ə/ in some dialects, while the second syllable keeps /ækt/. However, for clarity, especially in professional speech, maintain /ˈkɒn.tækt/ with a distinct /ɒ/ then /æ/ and a released /t/. Paying attention to the rhythm helps; stress remains on the first syllable.
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- US: Rhoticism affects surrounding vowels less in general terms; aim for a stronger /ɒ/ and a more open /æ/ before /kt/; keep the /t/ unreleased in casual speech only when appropriate. - UK: Non-rhotic; /r/ is not pronounced; the first vowel is compact /ɒ/ with crisp /t/ closure. - AU: Similar to UK; vowels may be higher and more fronted; the /t/ is crisp; watch for vowel quality shifts while maintaining non-rhotic tendencies. IPA references: US /ˈkɒn.tækt/, UK /ˈkɒn.tækt/, AU /ˈkɒn.tækt/; ensure final /t/ is released. - General advice: keep the first syllable short and stressed, second syllable clear with /ækt/; in fast speech, avoid assimilation that blurs /n/ and /t/.
The word contact comes from late Middle English, via Old French contact, derived from Latin contactus, the past participle of contingere ‘to touch, come into contact with’. The Latin contingere combines con- ‘together’ with tangere ‘to touch’. In English, contact originally carried the sense of touching or reaching to meet; by the 17th century it extended metaphorically to communication and connection. The term gained prominence in nautical and military contexts (contact with enemy lines, contact force) and later broadened to social and professional uses (contact information, emergency contact). Over time, its semantic range stabilised to include physical touch, communicative connection, and points of dissemination or reference. In contemporary usage, contact functions as both noun and verb, and in modern tech and business parlance it often denotes channels for information exchange or relationship-building while retaining its core sense of proximity or linkage.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "contact" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "contact" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "contact"
-act sounds
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