TAHR-guh-tid
/ˈtɑɹɡətɪd/
targeted is pronounced TAHR-guh-tid (/ˈtɑɹɡətɪd/). Targeted describes actions, strategies, or questions that are directed toward a specific goal, person, or outcome. It implies precision and focus, often improving effectiveness by concentrating effort where it will have the most impact. In usage, it can refer to targeted advertising, targeted training, or targeted interventions.
Targeted describes actions, strategies, or questions that are directed toward a specific goal, person, or outcome. It implies precision and focus, often improving effectiveness by concentrating effort where it will have the most impact. In usage, it can refer to targeted advertising, targeted training, or targeted interventions.
"The company launched a targeted marketing campaign aimed at millennials."
"She received targeted feedback on her presentation to address specific weaknesses."
"The program uses targeted exercises to strengthen the weaker muscle groups."
Pronounce as /ˈtɑːrɡɪtɪd/ (US/UK). The primary stress is on the first syllable: TAR- get- ed. Start with a broad open back vowel /ɑː/ as in 'spa', then /r/ blend, followed by /ɡɪ/ with a short, lax 'git' sound, and finish with /ɪd/ for the final 'ed'. Quick cue: think 'TAHR-gih-tid' with crisp 't' onset and a light, almost syllabic final /d/.
Two frequent missteps are: misplacing stress (tA-rgeted) and slurring the -ed into a simple /d/ or /t/ instead of the light /ɪd/ ending. Correct by ensuring clear first-stress and articulating the /ɡ/ before the /ɪ/; then finish with a distinct /d/ after a short /ɪ/ — /ˈtɑːrɡɪtɪd/. Practice with a slow tempo to separate /t/ and /ɪ/ then speed up while maintaining that final /d/.
In General American, you’ll hear /ˈtɑːrɡɪtɪd/ with rhoticity and a clear /ɡ/ and /t/ cluster; the /ɪ/ in the middle is short. In many UK varieties, /ˈtɑːɡɪtɪd/ also with non-rhotic links; some speakers reduce the final /ɪd/ to /ɪd/ or /ɪt/ depending on pace. Australian English tends to be similar to UK but with a slightly broader vowel in /ɑː/ and a more reduced vowel in the second syllable. Across all, ensure the initial /t/ and /ɡ/ are precise and the final /ɪd/ is a light, separate segment.
The challenge lies in the consonant cluster /tɑːrɡ/ followed by a fast /tɪd/. You must maintain a clear /t/ from the end of the first syllable, produce the /ɡ/ without glottal shortcut, and then insert a precise /ɪ/ before a final /d/. Misplacing the /ɡ/ or merging /tɪd/ into /tid/ without a distinct /ɪ/ weakens accuracy. Practicing with slow tempo helps stabilize timing and reduces slurring.
Yes. 'Target' is /ˈtɑːrɡɪt/ with main stress on the first syllable and ends in /t/. 'Targeted' adds a second syllable with /-ɪd/ or /-ɪd/ ending, giving /ˈtɑːrɡɪtɪd/. The transition from /t/ to /ɡ/ is crisp in both, but the final syllable in 'targeted' introduces a light /ɪd/ that isn’t present in the noun/verb form.
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Targeted derives from target, meaning a mark or objective, which itself comes from Middle French toucher ‘to touch’ and ultimately from a blend of Latin tangere ‘to touch’ and Old North French contrefuir, though in English the sense evolved in the 16th–17th centuries to the noun ‘target’ (an object to aim at) and later the adjective ‘targeted’ to describe something that has been directed at or aimed at a specific goal. The modern sense of precision-oriented or aimed at a particular group developed with the expansion of military, sports, advertising, and social programs, where actions or interventions are intentionally aligned with predefined aims. First known uses of ‘target’ in English date to the 15th century, with ‘targeted’ appearing as a participial adjective in the 19th–20th centuries as scientific and strategic language popularized the concept of selective focus.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "targeted" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "targeted" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "targeted"
-ted sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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