3 syllables: Tri, an, gles. Stress on Tri.
TREYE-ang-guhlz
/ˈtɹaɪˌæŋɡəlz/
Triangles is pronounced TREYE-ang-guhlz (/ˈtɹaɪˌæŋɡəlz/). It has three syllables (Tri-an-gles), with the stress on "Tri". Triangles is a plural noun referring to geometric shapes with three sides and three interior angles. It also appears in various contexts, such as mathematics, design, and metaphorical uses. In practice, you’ll typically stress the second syllable and pronounce the final -les as /əlz/ in standard American and British English. The word is pluralized from triangle, with the plural form adding -s after a consonant cluster.
nounTriangles is a plural noun referring to geometric shapes with three sides and three interior angles. It also appears in various contexts, such as mathematics, design, and metaphorical uses. In practice, you’ll typically stress the second syllable and pronounce the final -les as /əlz/ in standard American and British English. The word is pluralized from triangle, with the plural form adding -s after a consonant cluster.
How to Pronounce Triangles
"- The triangles on the poster illustrate different types: equilateral, isosceles, and scalene."
"- In math class, we learned how the triangles sum to 180 degrees."
"- The design features subtle triangles forming a tessellated pattern."
Pronounce as /ˈtraɪˌæŋɡəlz/ in US and /ˈtraɪˌæŋɡ(ə)lz/ in UK; stress on the first syllable with secondary stress on the second: TRY-ANG-guhlz. The sequence of sounds is: /t/ + /raɪ/ + /æŋ/ + /ɡəl/ + /z/. Keep the /ɡ/ hard and avoid tensing the jaw before /æ/. Audio references: you can compare with recordings on Cambridge or Oxford dictionaries or pronunciation platforms such as Forvo.”,
Common errors include misplacing stress (placing it on the second syllable) and softening the /t/ or turning /æŋ/ into a monopthong; another frequent issue is mispronouncing the final /əlz/ as /əl/ or /ls/. Corrective tips: keep initial /t/ crisp, ensure the /æ/ is a clear front vowel, and finish with a full /əlz/ or /əlz/ to produce the plural ending accurately. Practice the rhythm: /ˈtraɪ/ + /æŋ/ + /ɡəl/ + /z/ to reinforce the final sound.”,
In US English, /ˈtraɪˌæŋɡəlz/ with a clear /ɡ/ and final /z/. UK English often has a slightly more centralized vowel in the second syllable and may realize the /əlz/ as /əz/ or /əlz/ with softer /ɡ/; Australians commonly shorten or flatten the /æŋ/ to a more centralized /æŋ/ or /eɪŋ/ depending on speaker. IPA notes: US /t/, /raɪ/, /æŋ/ /ɡəl/ /z/; UK /ˈtraɪˌæŋɡ(ə)lz/, AU /ˈtrɪæŋɡəlz/ with potential vowel shifts.”,
The difficulty arises from the cluster of sounds in quick succession: a voiceless stop /t/ followed by a diphthong /aɪ/ in stressed position, then the nasal /ŋ/ before /ɡ/ and the final /əlz/ cluster. The challenge is keeping the /æ/ short and sharp before /ŋ/, and not inserting extra vowels. Practicing with slow speed and segmenting helps: break into tri- (TRY-uh) + -an- (ANG) + -gles (guhlz) and then blend.”,
Unique to triangles is the tricky /ŋ/ before /ɡ/ in many accents; keep the velar nasal soft and prevent a separate vowel between /ŋ/ and /ɡ/. A helpful cue is to say ‘TRY-ANG’ and then immediately attach ‘-əlz’ without pausing, ensuring the /ŋ/ remains nasalized and the /ɡ/ is clearly released. IPA reminder: /ˈtraɪˌæŋɡəlz/.
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Triangle derives from the Middle English triangle, from Old French triangle, from Latin triangulum, from Greek tri- (three) + gonia (angle, corner). The Greek root trigōn (triangle, trigon) combines tri- (three) with gōnia (angle). The term entered English via medieval mathematical and geometric treatises influenced by Latin translations of Greek geometry. The modern sense of a three-sided polygon emerged as scholars formalized polygon classifications; “triangles” has been used since at least the 14th century in translations and mathematical writings. Over time, the word broadened beyond pure geometry to metaphorical uses (triangular relationships, a “triangle” of forces), while in design and architecture it retained its mathematical connotation. The plural form triangles has consistently indicated more than one three-sided figure since the development of pluralization in English, with the final -s pronounced as /z/ in standard varieties when following voiceless consonants or /ɪz/ after certain consonant clusters. The word’s pronunciation and spelling have remained stable through modern English, though regional accents influence exact reduction and vowel quality, particularly in unstressed syllables.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Triangles" and can often be used interchangeably.
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Words that rhyme with "Triangles"
-les sounds
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