How to Pronounce “perceptual”
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- American (US)
- /pə(ɹ)ˈsɛp.tʃ(u)əl/
What “perceptual” means
adjective — Relating to perception.
Pronunciation Notes
Where the stress falls. “perceptual” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /pə(ɹ)ˈsɛp.tʃ(u)əl/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the second one — so the second syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.
An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /pə(ɹ)ˈsɛp.tʃ(u)əl/ contains a schwa /ə/ — the short, neutral “uh” that English unstressed syllables collapse into. Saying /ə/ there, instead of the vowel the spelling suggests, is most of what makes the word sound native.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "perceptual" mean?
perceptual (adjective): Relating to perception.
What is the IPA transcription of "perceptual"?
/pə(ɹ)ˈsɛp.tʃ(u)əl/ in American English.
Which syllable is stressed in "perceptual"?
“perceptual” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /pə(ɹ)ˈsɛp.tʃ(u)əl/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the second one — so the second syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.
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