2 syllables: Mo, gul. Stress on Mo.
MOH-guhl
/ˈmoʊɡəl/
Mogul is pronounced MOH-guhl (/ˈmoʊɡəl/). It has two syllables (Mo-gul), with the stress on "Mo". Mogul (noun) refers to a powerful and influential person, especially in business or media. It can also denote a person who has achieved dominance or celebrity status within a given field. The term connotes prestige, wealth, and control, often implying a high level of authority or impact in a industry or domain.
nounMogul (noun) refers to a powerful and influential person, especially in business or media. It can also denote a person who has achieved dominance or celebrity status within a given field. The term connotes prestige, wealth, and control, often implying a high level of authority or impact in a industry or domain.
"The tech mogul announced a breakthrough in sustainable energy."
"A media mogul controls several major networks and production companies."
"The fashion mogul hosted a charity gala attracting celebrities from around the world."
Pronounce as MOH-guhl. The primary stress is on the first syllable: /ˈmoʊ.ɡəl/ in US. In UK and AU, it is /ˈməʊ.ɡəl/ or /ˈməː.ɡəl/ with a clearer, longer second vowel. Start with a strong, closed mouth for /oʊ/ and finish with a soft, schwa-like /ə/ or /ɪ/ in casual speech. Audio references: consult Cambridge and Oxford dictionaries or Forvo for native pronunciations.
Common mistakes include reducing the first syllable to a short /ɪ/ or /ə/ (e.g., 'mIG-el') and making the second syllable too stressed or unclear (/ˈmoʊ.gəl/ vs /ˈmoʊɡjəl/). Also, some speakers insert an extra /w/ or glide, producing /ˈmoʊ-wɡəl/. The correction is to maintain a crisp /oʊ/ or /əʊ/ on the first syllable and a short, clean /ɡəl/ on the second without additional vowel prolongation.
In US English, it’s /ˈmoʊɡəl/ with a clear /oʊ/ diphthong and a strong first syllable. UK/Irish influence often gives /ˈməʊɡəl/ with /əʊ/ and a shorter second syllable. Australian tends toward /ˈməːɡəl/ or /ˈmoʊɡəl/ depending on speaker; rhoticity is generally non-rhotic in traditional RP-like speech but supportive rhotics appear in some Australian dialects. Overall, the first syllable vowel quality and vowel length shift are the key differences.
The challenge lies in two elements: a rising diphthong in /oʊ/ or /əʊ/ that requires a smooth glide into /ɡəl/, and the brief, unstressed second syllable with /əl/ that can be reduced in rapid speech. Misplacing stress or lengthening the second syllable can blur the word’s crisp identity. Practicing minimal pairs and controlled tempo helps solidify accurate vowel timing and syllable termination.
The word’s combination of a prominent initial vowel (oʊ or əʊ) with a short, exact final /ɡəl/ creates a distinctive rhythm: strong first syllable, quick, clipped second. Unlike many two-syllable words with a heavy second syllable, mogul relies on precise vowel-to-consonant transition and a clean /g/ release into /əl/. This makes listening and repetition essential to capture its cadence.
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Mogul comes from the Persian word mughal (Mughals) referring to the imperial rulers who founded the Mughal Empire in South Asia. The term was adopted into English in the 18th–19th centuries, initially describing powerful persons or rulers, and gradually extending to individuals of wealth and influence in various sectors. Early usage often referred to sovereigns or grandees in India or the broader Mughal dynasty. In English, mogul evolved to describe business and media magnates, highlighting a similar aura of authority and prestige. The shift from royal/imperial referent to modern corporate mastery reflects cultural associations with power, wealth, and elite status. The word’s first known appearances in English printing are in travel and diplomatic contexts, but by the late 19th and early 20th centuries it had become idiomatic for any influential person, especially in business, entertainment, or industry leadership. Its modern sense emphasizes not just wealth but control over influence, networks, and highly visible platforms.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Mogul" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Mogul" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "Mogul"
-gle sounds
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