English pronunciation · Words Starting with A

Appropriate Pronunciation

Appropriate is pronounced uh-PROH-pree-uht, IPA /əˈproʊpriˌeɪt/.

uh-PROH-pree-uht

US /əˈproʊpriˌeɪt/

Syllables: uh · PROH · pree · uht (4 syllables, stress on syllable 2)

adjective and verb: Suitable for the situation, or to take something for your own use.

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Appropriate in a Sentence

  • Wear something appropriate for a building site.
  • That was not an appropriate thing to say.
  • The council appropriated the land for a car park.

Common Mispronunciations of Appropriate

Not a-PROH-pree-ayt

As an adjective the ending drops to a weak uht. The full ayt marks the verb, so the two senses really do sound different.

Not AP-roh-pree-uht

Beat sits on PROH throughout. The double p gives a single sound, so nothing heavy lands at the front.

Tip: Suitable is uh-PROH-pree-uht. To take for yourself is uh-PROH-pree-ayt.

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