The word 'dispel' is pronounced with the emphasis placed on its second syllable.
Understanding the Pronunciation of 'Dispel'
The standard phonetic pronunciation for the word 'dispel' in its base form is /dɪˈspel/. Breaking this down helps to clarify the sounds:
- di- (/dɪ/): This part sounds similar to the "di" in "ditch" or "diffuse." The 'ɪ' represents a short 'i' sound, as heard in words like "sit" or "kit."
- -spel (/ˈspel/): This part sounds exactly like the word "spell." The symbol (ˈ) directly before this syllable indicates that it carries the primary stress. This means you should pronounce it with more emphasis and a slightly higher pitch than the first syllable.
Therefore, when you say 'dispel,' it should sound like dis-PELL, with the second syllable being the most prominent.
Pronunciation for Different Forms of 'Dispel'
The pronunciation can vary slightly when 'dispel' takes on different grammatical forms. Here's a quick guide to these variations:
| Form | Phonetic Pronunciation | How it Sounds |
|---|---|---|
| dispel (base) | /dɪˈspel/ | dis-PELL |
| dispels | /dɪˈspelz/ | dis-PELLZ (adding a 'z' sound at the end) |
| dispelled | /dɪˈspeld/ | dis-PELD (adding a 'd' sound at the end) |
| dispelling | /dɪˈspelɪŋ/ | dis-PEL-ing (with a short 'i' sound, like in singing) |
Understanding these nuances helps maintain accurate pronunciation in various contexts.
