One syllable: Task.
task
/tæsk/
Task is pronounced task (/tæsk/). It has one syllable (Task), with the stress on "Task". As a noun, a short, concrete job or assignment to be completed, often within a specific timeframe. It can also refer to a piece of work addressed to someone or a duty assigned as part of a larger project. In everyday use, ‘task’ emphasizes a defined, manageable piece of work rather than an open-ended activity.
nounA short, concrete job or assignment to be completed, often within a specific timeframe. It can also refer to a piece of work addressed to someone or a duty assigned as part of a larger project. In everyday use, ‘task’ emphasizes a defined, manageable piece of work rather than an open-ended activity.
"I have a list of tasks to finish before lunch."
"Your daily tasks include checking emails and updating the database."
"The teacher assigned a reading task for homework."
Task is pronounced with a single stressed syllable: /tæsk/ in US English and /tɑːsk/ in many UK varieties. Begin with a short, lax front vowel for US, moving quickly to a voiceless velar stop /k/ at the end. The mouth closes with the tongue near the lower front teeth ridge for the /t/ and then the /æ/ or /ɑː/ vowel, finishing with a clear /sk/ cluster. A quick, clean release on the final /k/ helps avoid a blur into /tæst/ or /task/ with extra vowel. Audio references: you can compare with Forvo or Pronounce for native speaker models.
Common errors: (1) Gliding the final /k/ into a vowel sound (e.g., ‘tasket’ or ‘tasks’ with extra vowel). Keep a sharp, short /k/ release. (2) Misplacing the vowel: Americans often use /æ/ as in cat, while some speakers may insert a schwa or reduce to /ə/ in fast speech; aim for /æ/ in US, or a more open /ɒ/ or /ɑː/ in UK variants. (3) Confusing with ‘tas’ or ‘tash’ due to subtle lip rounding; ensure the /sk/ is a crisp cluster with the /s/ before /k/. Focus on a clean front-vowel and a strong, final /sk/.
In US English, /tæsk/ with a short /æ/ and explicit /s/ before /k/. In many UK variants, /tɑːsk/ features a longer, more open vowel and less rhotic influence, though final /sk/ remains clear. Australian English tends to align with /tæsk/ but may have slightly broader vowel durations and a less tense /æ/, sounding between /æ/ and /ɐ/ depending on speaker. Across all, the final /sk/ cluster is non-rhotic and must be crisp; avoid vowel insertion between /s/ and /k/ in rapid speech.
The difficulty lies in the consonant cluster /sk/ after a short vowel. Many speakers shorten or blur the /s/ into a light /z/ or insert a vowel before /k/, especially in rapid speech. Getting the /s/ and /k/ to remain distinct and unvoiced while keeping the preceding vowel crisp is key. Also, ensuring the mouth closes quickly for /t/ and transitions smoothly to /æ/ or /ɑː/ without overt vowel lengthening helps maintain natural rhythm.
There is no silent letter in task. All letters contribute to the sound: /t/ (voiceless alveolar plosive), /æ/ or /ɑː/ (vowel), /s/ (voiceless alveolar fricative), /k/ (voiceless velar plosive). In rapid speech some speakers reduce the vowel slightly or fuse the /s/ and /k/, but the sounds remain present. Emphasize distinct /s/ before the /k/ for clear articulation.
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US: /tæsk/ with a quick, tense /æ/; crisp /s/ before a hard /k/. UK: /tɑːsk/ or /tɑːsk/ with a longer vowel; keep /s/ clear and /k/ released sharply. AU: often /tæsk/ with mid-open /æ/, slightly less tense than US; aim for clear /s/ and a clean /k/. In all, rhotics are minimal; vowel length may differ with emphasis and tempo. IPA references: US /tæsk/, UK /tɑːsk/, AU /tæsk/.
The word task comes from Middle English tasce, task, from Old North French tasche or taque, meaning a duty or assignment. It is ultimately related to the Latin tasca, ‘a pocket or bag,’ through a sense of something to be done or carried out. The earliest English usage dates to the 14th century, where it referred to a duty or charge entrusted to someone. Over time, the term broadened to refer to tasks as discrete units of work, both in everyday work and in organized systems (e.g., computer software tasks). The semantic development reflects a shift from a physical burden or tax (something one must bear) to a more neutral concept of a defined piece of work. In modern English, ‘task’ is a common term across professional, academic, and household contexts, preserving its core sense of a bounded, actionable item rather than an ongoing activity. First known uses appear in legal and clerical documents, where tasks were specified as obligations, and later in education and project management as a unit of work to be completed. Throughout centuries, the word retained its core meaning of assignment or duty while expanding to metaphorical uses (e.g., computational tasks, cognitive tasks).
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Task" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Task" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "Task"
-ask sounds
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