2 syllables: lan, tern. Stress on lan.
LAN-turn
/ˈlæntɚn/
lantern is pronounced LAN-turn (/ˈlæntɚn/). It has two syllables (lan-tern), with the stress on "lan". Lantern is a portable light source, typically with a protective enclosure for a flame or LED. It emphasizes a calm, steady glow and is often carried or hung for visibility. The term can also evoke a traditional, rustic aesthetic. (2-4 sentences, 50-80 words).
Lantern is a portable light source, typically with a protective enclosure for a flame or LED. It emphasizes a calm, steady glow and is often carried or hung for visibility. The term can also evoke a traditional, rustic aesthetic. (2-4 sentences, 50-80 words)
"While hiking at dusk, we hung a lantern from a branch to guide our path."
"The lantern’s warm glow created a cozy ambiance on the porch."
"She asked for a lantern with brighter LEDs for her camping trip."
Pronounce as /ˈlæn.tɚn/ in US and /ˈlæn.tən/ in UK. The first syllable is stressed. The second syllable uses a schwa in US (er) and a clear syllable in UK. Place your tongue low in the front of the mouth for /læn/ and finish with a relaxed /t/ followed by a quick /ən/ or /ərn/. Listening for the subtle rhotic ending in US may help.
Common errors: reversing the syllables, saying /ˈlændɚn/ with a stronger /ɚ/; dropping the final /n/ making /ˈlæn.tɚ/ or /ˈlæn.tɜː/; merging the /t/ with a following vowel creating /ˈlæn.dɚn/. Corrections: keep the /t/ as a clear, brief stop between syllables, use a short /ə/ (schwa) for the second syllable, and ensure the first vowel is a pure /æ/ as in cat, not /eɪ/ or /ɛ/.
US: /ˈlæn.tɚn/ with rhotic /ɹ/ influencing the following vowel in connected speech; the second syllable often a reduced schwa. UK: /ˈlæn.tən/ with a lighter, non-rhotic ending; the second syllable clearer with /ə/ or /ɪ/. AU: typically /ˈlæn.tən/ like UK but with broader vowel quality and a slightly more pronounced final vowel. Across all, the first syllable remains stressed.
The difficulty lies in the two-syllable rhythm with a short, lax vowel in the second syllable and the need to land a precise /t/ followed by a short /ən/ or /ən/. The combination /tɚ/ can blur in rapid speech; keeping the /t/ crisp helps the listener hear the two syllables clearly. Achieve this with light tip-to-alveolar contact and a quick, quiet release into the schwa.
The tonic feature to watch is the alveolar stop /t/ between syllables. In fast speech, some speakers may assimilate the /t/ with the following /ə/ or drop it, producing /ˈlæn.ən/ or /ˈlæn.nən/. Aim to maintain a distinct /t/ boundary and a clear second syllable with a reduced vowel to preserve intelligibility.
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Lantern originates from Old French lampe, from Latin lampada, meaning ‘lamp, torch,’ which itself stems from Greek lampas, related to lampein ‘to shine.’ In Middle English, lantern referred to a portable light with a protective enclosure, distinguishing it from open flames. The word evolved to describe enclosing devices for candles and oil lamps, and with modernity, lanterns adopted electric components while retaining the traditional name. First known use attested in 13th–14th century texts, where travelers and townsfolk described portable light sources in markets and travelogues. Over centuries, lanterns symbolized guidance and safety, and the term broadened to include various lighting devices designed to shield a flame from wind or to house a bulb for diffused illumination. This evolution mirrors societal shifts from flame-based lighting to wick, oil, gas, and electric lanterns, while preserving a cultural association with outdoor, decorative, and ceremonial uses.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "lantern" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "lantern" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "lantern"
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