English pronunciation · Words Starting with E
Essay Pronunciation
Essay is pronounced E-say, IPA /ˈɛˌseɪ/.
E-say
US /ˈɛˌseɪ/
Syllables: E · say (2 syllables, stress on syllable 1)
noun: A short piece of writing that sets out an argument on one subject.
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Two Ways to Say Essay
The pronunciation changes with the meaning or the part of speech. The form above is the most common; the others are:
- e-SAY, the verb meaning to attempt something: /ɛˈseɪ/ (e-SAY)
Essay in a Sentence
- The essay is due on Monday morning.
- She wrote a long essay on coastal erosion.
- His essay won the sixth-form prize.
Common Mispronunciations of Essay
Not E-see
The second beat holds a full ay, the vowel of day, however little weight it takes.
Not uh-SAY
The opening keeps the e of bed and takes the volume with it.
Tip: The rare verb to essay, meaning to attempt, is end-stressed instead: e-SAY.
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