WED-lahk
/ˈwɛˌdlɑk/
wedlock is pronounced WED-lahk (/ˈwɛˌdlɑk/). Wedlock is the state of being married, typically referring to marriage as a social or legal condition. The term emphasizes the formal, often legally recognized union rather than a casual relationship, and it is commonly used in formal or historical contexts.
Wedlock is the state of being married, typically referring to marriage as a social or legal condition. The term emphasizes the formal, often legally recognized union rather than a casual relationship, and it is commonly used in formal or historical contexts.
- You might mispronounce the first syllable as /wiːd/ or /wɛd/ with too long a vowel; keep it short and crisp: /ˈwɛd/. - The /d/ and /l/ can blur; ensure a firm yet light release from /d/ and a distinct /l/ before the /ɒ/. - Second syllable /ɒk/ can sound like /ɔːk/ or /ɑːk/; aim for a short /ɒ/ as in 'lot' for most British and American speakers. - Don’t add an extra syllable; wedlock is two syllables, not wed-lockk or wed-lokky. - Practice connected speech; separate syllables in isolation, then blend, to avoid over-enunciating.
"The couple pledged their vows, entering wedlock under the eyes of the community."
"In many cultures, wedlock carries traditional duties and expectations."
"The rumor of his elopement strained their weeks-long engagement before wedlock."
Pronounced /ˈwɛd.lɒk/ in US and /ˈwed.lɒk/ in UK/AU. Begin with a stressed first syllable 'wed' using a short open-mid front vowel /ɛ/ like 'bed'. The second syllable is a short /lɒk/ with an open back rounded vowel /ɒ/ followed by /k/. Keep the /l/ light and the transition between /d/ and /l/ smooth. You’ll want a crisp, quick release on the /d/ and a clean /l/ before the /ɒ/. Audio reference: a standard English pronunciation resource can provide careful listening examples.
Common errors: pronouncing it as /ˈwiːd.lɒk/ by elongating the first vowel to /iː/ or misplacing stress, and slurring the /d/ and /l/ into a single sound. Another mistake is using a broad /ɔ/ in the second vowel if influenced by non-native accents. Correction: adopt the short /ɛ/ in the first syllable and ensure a clear, light /l/ before /ɒ/. Practice by isolating /d/ and /l/ with a tiny pause: wed- lock, then fluidly merge with a single syllable transition.
In US English, /ˈwɛd.lɒk/ with lighter rhotic influence; in UK English, /ˈwed.lɒk/ often with a crisper /d/ and sharper /l/, and the second vowel /ɒ/ is a rounded back vowel. Australian English is similar to UK but may show slight Australian vowel raising or rounding in young speakers; the /ɒ/ can be near- open back [ɒ] in broad accents. Overall: stress on first syllable, but vowel qualities and liaison between /d/ and /l/ can shift subtly with rhythm and locale.
The difficulty lies in the rapid, smooth transition from /d/ to /l/ to /ɒ/, and the short, clipped second syllable that can blend with the first. Some speakers compact /d/ and /l/ into a single release, or mispronounce /ɒ/ as /ɔː/ or /ɑː/. Focus on a clear, separate /d/—/l/ sequence, then a compact /ɒ/ before /k/, with crisp final /k/. IPA guidance and slow practice help you stabilize the sequence.
Is there a silent letter in wedlock? No, all letters are pronounced: W-E-D-L-O-C-K. The challenge is the subtle timing and place of articulation between /d/ and /l/, and the short /ɒ/ vowel in the second syllable. You’ll hear a quick, clean transition rather than a drawn-out glide, with the emphasis clearly on the first syllable.
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- US: /ˈwɛd.lɒk/. Slight rhotic influence may affect the /lɒk/; keep /l/ light and the second vowel short. - UK: /ˈwed.lɒk/. Emphasize crisp /d/ and /l/; the /ɒ/ is rounded but short. - AU: /ˈwed.lɒk/ with slight vowel shortening and non-rhotic tendencies in some speakers; maintain the same two-syllable rhythm and keep the /ɒ/ compact.
Wedlock comes from Middle English wedlok, a compound of wed (marriage) and lok (lock, enclosure), metaphorically suggesting a secured state or lock by marriage. The earliest attestations appear in medieval legal and ecclesiastical contexts, reflecting the Church’s role in conferring or recognizing matrimonial unions. The sense evolved from literal “pledge and lock” imagery to the figurative “state of being married.” By the Early Modern period, wedlock was a standard term in English for formal marriage, used in literature and law. The word’s longevity reflects its social significance across centuries, with its meaning remaining comparatively stable while connotations shifted toward tradition and formality. It is less common in everyday speech today, often appearing in formal declamations or historical discussions about marriage practices. This history underscores wedlock’s dual resonance as both a social institution and a legal status.
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
Help others use "wedlock" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "wedlock" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "wedlock" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "wedlock"
-ock sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
🎵 Rhyme tip: Practicing with rhyming words helps you master similar sound patterns and improves your overall pronunciation accuracy.
