SOO-tid
/ˈsutɪd/
suited is pronounced SOO-tid (/ˈsutɪd/). Suited means being appropriate or fitting for a particular purpose, situation, or person. It can describe clothing that matches a wearer’s size or style, or a condition or role that is well-mitted to someone’s abilities. In everyday use, it often implies a natural compatibility between a person and a context or objective.
Suited means being appropriate or fitting for a particular purpose, situation, or person. It can describe clothing that matches a wearer’s size or style, or a condition or role that is well-mitted to someone’s abilities. In everyday use, it often implies a natural compatibility between a person and a context or objective.
- You may carry over a native language vowel length habit into the first syllable, making it shorter or mis-timed; ensure the /uː/ remains long and steady before the /t/. - The /t/ can be glottalized or omitted in rapid speech (common in British English); practice a clear alveolar /t/ release before /d/ to avoid /suː.d/ or /suːt/. - The /d/ at the end can be devoiced in fast speech; aim for a voiced /d/ release and a light, but audible, end. - In US English, some learners insert a /j/ before /uː/ (sound like /sjuː.tɪd/); unless aiming for careful UK-style pronunciation, avoid unnecessary onset.”,
"The job description is tailored and suited to someone with strong analytical skills."
"Her calm demeanor is suited to a high-pressure environment."
"These tools are suited for beginners and experts alike."
Say SUITED as /ˈsuː.tɪd/ in US and AU accents, with a clear long /uː/ in the first syllable and a short /ɪ/ before the final /d/. In many UK varieties, you’ll hear /ˈsjuː.tɪd/, where the /j/ sound after /s/ adds a slight y-color before the long /uː/. Focus on keeping stress on the first syllable and a crisp /t/ followed by a voiced /d/. Audio examples: you can compare with Cambridge or Oxford dictionaries audio.
Common errors include pronouncing the first syllable as /ˈsjuː.tɪd/ in Americanized speech (overemphasizing /j/), or slurring the /t/ into the /d/ (making it /ˈsuːd/ or /ˈsuː.tɪd/ with a flapped /ɾ/). Some learners also reduce the second syllable too much, sounding like /suː.tɪ/ without the final /d/. Correct by articulating a clear /t/ release before the voiced /d/ and keeping the /uː/ long. Practice with minimal pairs to distinguish /t/ and /d/.
In US and AU, /ˈsuː.tɪd/ with a strong long /uː/. UK often has /ˈsjuː.tɪd/, with a light /j/ onset after /s/ and a slightly less prominent /uː/. Rhoticity is not a major factor here, but overall the vowel length and the presence of /j/ before /uː/ can shift. In all, the main differences are the initial consonant cluster and whether /j/ is pronounced. Visualize the mouth for /s/ + /j/ + /uː/ versus /s/ + /uː/.
The difficulty lies in the /t/ to /d/ transition and maintaining a long /uː/ before a short lax /ɪ/ and voiced /d/. For non-native speakers, navigating the syllable boundary between /suː/ and /tɪd/ can cause vowel shortening or consonant blending. Another challenge is the subtle /j/ quality in British variants before /uː/ and the precise tongue position to avoid a vowel diphthong miscue. Mastery comes from controlled release and clear coda consonants.
There is no silent letter in suited. The word has three phonemes in the first syllable /suː/ (or /sjuː/ in some UK accents) and two in the second syllable /tɪd/. The challenge is not silent letters but proper syllable-timed rhythm, precise /t/ release, and the transition from the tense high back vowel to a lax mid vowel before the final /d/. Focus on maintaining the vowel length and a crisp coda.
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The word suited comes from the past participle of the verb suit, which itself derives from the Old French suivre meaning to follow, align, or befit. In Middle English, suite referred to a set or sequence, with a later sense of something fitting or corresponding. The modern sense of “appropriate or fitting” emerged by the 17th century, as English speakers began to describe things that “suit” a person, purpose, or circumstance. The noun suite (from French) is etymologically related but distinct in meaning. Over time, suited as an adjective became a common descriptor in fashion (a suit fits), in social contexts (a position suited to one’s skills), and in logic or planning (conditions suited to outcomes). First known use as a predicative complement appears in early modern English texts, reflecting the emphasis on compatibility and fit between subject and context. The evolution reflects a shift from physical fitting (clothes) to broader semantic scope (fit or appropriateness for a role, task, or situation).
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Help others use "suited" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "suited" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "suited" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "suited"
-ted sounds
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