Words That Are Difficult To Pronounce In English

What's Poppin' up Guys let's check out the top words that are difficult to pronounce in English

1. Mischievous

Mischievous has two syllables and is pronounced “miss-CHEEV-yus.” It is an adjective used to describe someone or something that is playfully troublesome or naughty. The word is derived from the Latin word “mischievus,” which means “causing harm.” This word is often confused with “mischievousness,” which is an abstract noun used to describe the state of being mischievous.

2. Cornel

2. Cornel (corn-el) - The word “cornel” is used to refer to a hawthorn shrub or tree. It can be pronounced in a few different ways in English, but the most common is “corn-el”. The “el” in the pronunciation is often confused with the “el” sound in “apple”, but the two are actually quite different. The “el” sound in “cornel” is actually a double-L sound, as in “dull”. It’s important to pay attention to the small details when you’re pronouncing words incorrectly, as they can make a huge difference in your pronunciation.

3. Epitome

The third word on our list is 'epitome'. It is a noun that means a perfect example, or the most perfect embodiment of a quality or concept. It is pronounced 'i-PIT-uh-mee' with the emphasis placed on the second syllable. The word can be used in a variety of different contexts, such as describing a person, an event, or even an entire culture. It is also used as an adjective to describe something that is the perfect example of its kind or type. For example, you could say that a particular painting is the epitome of beauty.

4. Bourgeoisie

Bourgeoisie is a French word derived from the Latin word “burgus”, meaning city-dweller. This term is used to refer to the middle-class capitalists who own the means of production. It is considered a difficult word to pronounce by English speakers because of its French origin, requiring a combination of a soft “j” sound, as well as a soft “s” sound. Bourgeoisie is pronounced (bur-zhwah-zee).

5. Queue

Queue is a word that is often mispronounced by English language learners, even though it is a relatively common word. The correct pronunciation is “kyoo”, with a silent “e” at the end. This word is derived from the French word for “tail”, and it is used to refer to a line of people or things waiting in an orderly fashion. Queue can be used as both a noun and a verb, and is often used to describe the act of lining up for something, such as a movie or a train ticket. It is important to remember that the “e” at the end of the word is silent in order to avoid confusion when speaking English.

6. Epiphany

Epiphany, pronounced /əˈpɪfəni/, is defined as a sudden, intuitive perception of or insight into the reality or essential meaning of something. It is often used to refer to a moment of enlightenment or realization, and is derived from the ancient Greek word epiphaneia, which means “manifestation” or “appearing.” Epiphany is a powerful word, as it has the power to spark dramatic change in our lives. It can be used to describe a moment of sudden insight or realization, or a moment of great clarity that leads to profound transformation.

7. Quinoa

Quinoa is a grain-like seed that can be cooked and eaten like a cereal. It is native to the Andean region of South America and is now popular throughout the world. Quinoa is packed with nutrients and is high in protein, calcium, magnesium and iron. It is also gluten-free and a great alternative to rice or pasta. Despite its popularity, quinoa can be difficult to pronounce for English speakers. Its basic pronunciation is “KEEN-wah”, but it is also often mispronounced as “KEE-no-wa” or “KEE-nuh-wah”.

English is a language full of surprises, and that includes words that are difficult to pronounce. From terms like "diarrhea" to "onomatopoeia" to "phlegm," these words can be challenging for English language learners and native speakers alike. However, with some practice and patience, you can learn how to pronounce them correctly and outwit the English language.