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233 Commonly Mispronounced Words in English: How to Say Them Correctly (With Audio)
English can be so weird.
Why are there so many words that look completely different than they sound?
English pronunciation can be so complicated that even native speakers go their whole lives mispronouncing certain words.
There are probably at least a few that you have been saying incorrectly without knowing it.
We will teach you 17 of the most often mispronounced words in English, including some very common words that you will encounter all the time.
Master their pronunciation and you might even have a thing or two to teach a native English speaker!
Contents
- 17 Commonly Mispronounced English Words
- 200+ of the Hardest English Words to Pronounce
- And One More Thing...
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17 Commonly Mispronounced English Words
In the list below, we will spell out the common incorrect pronunciations as well as the correct pronunciation for each word. We will put the stressed syllables in bold.
You can also click on a word below to hear its pronunciation. Finally, I recommend finding these words on FluentU, where you can hear them spoken by a native English speaker in short videos.
FluentU takes authentic videos—like music videos, movie trailers, news and inspiring talks—and turns them into personalized language learning lessons.
You can try FluentU for free for 2 weeks. Check out the website or download the iOS app or Android app.
P.S. Click here to take advantage of our current sale! (Expires at the end of this month.)
1. Açaí
How it is mistakenly pronounced: “Uh-kai” or “Ah-kai“
How it is actually pronounced: “Ahh-sai-ee”
Açai berries are a type of South American fruit.
Even native English speakers mispronounced this word for a while when açaí bowls first became popular in the U.S.
Let’s all go out for açaí bowls, I’m starving!
2. Flautist
How it is mistakenly pronounced: “Floo-tist”
How it is actually pronounced: “Flah-tist” (U.S.) or “Floh-tist” (U.K.)
A flautist is a musician who plays the flute. Flutist (pronounced “floo-tist”) is an older word that is also an appropriate way to use to describe a flute player, but mostly in the U.S. Typically, Americans will say flutist while the rest of the world’s English speakers will say flautist.
Tyler is an accomplished and talented flautist.
3. Definitely
How it is mistakenly pronounced: “Dee-fie-ant-lee” or “Def-in-it-lee”
How it is actually pronounced: “Def-in-it-lee”
Not only is this word sometimes mispronounced by non-native speakers, but its spelling is also butchered (destroyed) by just about everyone.
Who knows why? It kind of sounds how it is spelled, but we just cannot get “definitely” right! We might spell it “definately” or “defiantly” for years, even after being corrected. It is a cursed word.
I’m definitely going to study my English lessons tonight.
4. Library
How it is mistakenly pronounced: “Lie-bear-ee”
How it is actually pronounced: “Lie-brair-ee”
The “r” sounds in this word are hard for a lot of non-native speakers to figure out. Though it is clearly spelled with an “r” right next to the “b,” even native speakers tend to leave it out.
We went to the local library to check out some books.
5. Itinerary
How it is mistakenly pronounced: “Eye-tin-air-ee” or “Eye-ten-ee-air-ee”
How it is actually pronounced: “Eye-tin-er-air-ee”
When you plan to go on vacation somewhere, you will probably make a list of things you plan to do while you are there. This would be known as an itinerary, but boy is that word weird to say!
Just remember to pronounce it how it is spelled, even if it sounds weird, and you will be good to go.
Sophia wrote up an itinerary for our trip to the Bahamas.
6. Pronunciation
How it is mistakenly pronounced: “Pro-nun-say-shun”
How it is actually pronounced: “Pro-nun-see-ay-shun”
Well this is kind of a pun, huh? Pronunciation is mispronounced a lot, but it is quite the complex word to say (and to spell!) due to all those syllables.
The correct pronunciation will be listed in your textbook.
7. Pseudonym
How it is mistakenly pronounced: “Puh-soo-doh-nim” or “Soo-doh-name”
How it is actually pronounced: “Soo-doh-nim”
A pseudonym is a fake name used by authors or artists. It is a great example of the silent “p” sound, which is found frequently in English.
J.K. Rowling used a pseudonym when she started writing crime fiction.
8. Salmon
How it is mistakenly pronounced: “Saul-mon” or “Saul-man”
How it is actually pronounced: “Sam-in”
So many words in English have silent “l” sounds. Think of words like half, calf, talk, walk, and would. We just love shoving the letter “l” into whatever word we want!
In the case of this tasty fish, the “l” is silent as well.
I had salmon for lunch yesterday.
9. Subtle
How it is mistakenly pronounced: “Sub-tell”
How it is actually pronounced: “Suh-tell”
We have been covering a lot of words with silent letters in this article, but “subtle” really takes the cake (is exceptional) for being an odd one. Silent “b” sounds in English are rare, but they do pop up.
The metaphors in this novel are quite subtle.
10. GIF
How it is mistakenly pronounced (up to debate): “Jiff”
How it is actually pronounced: “Giff”
You have definitely seen a GIF (the abbreviation for “Graphics Interchange Format”) online. It is a small image file, often with a quick animation or motion.
The pronunciation of this word has been the subject of many memes through the years. Even Steve Wilhite, the inventor of the GIF file format, claims that it is pronounced “jiff.”
But you could argue that “jiff” is not correct, since GIF is an abbreviation. “Graphics” has a hard “g,” so it is only sensical that GIF be pronounced with a hard “g” as well.
Did you see that GIF of a cat doing a backflip? Hilarious.
11. Chimera
How it is mistakenly pronounced: “Chim-air-uh” or “Kim-air-uh”
How it is actually pronounced: “Kie-mear-uh”
Honestly, this word does not pop up in English very often. How many casual English conversations involve a chimera, a fire-breathing mythical beast with lion, goat and snake parts? Still, it is a very commonly mispronounced word among native and non-native speakers.
How cool would it be to see a real-life chimera?
12. Gyro
How it is mistakenly pronounced: “Guy-ro” or “Gee-ro” or “Hee-ro”
How it is actually pronounced: “Yee-ro”
A gyro is a Greek wrap made with shredded meat that is cooked on a vertical rotisserie. English-speakers in the U.S. and the U.K. love this dish, but everybody seems to pronounce it wrong. To be fair, you do not see words with a silent “g” in English very often. The correct pronunciation comes from the original Greek word.
I usually order a lamb gyro with a side of hummus when I eat at the Greek restaurant down the street.
13. Ask
How it is mistakenly pronounced: “Axe”
How it is actually pronounced: “Ah-sk”
Pronouncing “ask” is weirdly uncomfortable, but saying “axe” is somehow easier. Lots of native and non-native English speakers get this one wrong for that very reason.
Note that in black communities in the U.S., “axe” can be considered a proper pronunciation.
I must ask John where he left the library books.
14. Wednesday
How it is mistakenly pronounced: “Wed-nez-day”
How it is actually pronounced: “Wenz-day”
Why on earth is Wednesday spelled like that? Apparently, it is due to the word’s German origins. “Wednesday” was pronounced more like “Wodan’s Day” in old German, a tribute to the Anglo-Saxon god Wodan.
On Wednesdays we wear pink.
15. Stomach
How it is mistakenly pronounced: “Stoh-mahk” or “Stoh-match”
How it is actually pronounced: “Stum-ick”
It is a bit weird to pronounce “ach” as “ick,” but that is how “stomach” is properly pronounced.
My stomach is killing me, I need some food.
16. Meme
How it is mistakenly pronounced: “Mehm” or “Mee-mee”
How it is actually pronounced: “Meem”
If you are guilty of mispronouncing this word, do not fret. This word was almost never used until the rise of Internet memes, so it makes sense why it would confuse some people.
Did you see that meme about the moth and the lamp? Hilarious.
17. Bury
How it is mistakenly pronounced: “Buh-ree”
How it is actually pronounced: “Bare-ee”
“Bury” and “berry” are homophones, meaning they have the same pronunciation, if you were interested in a fun fact.
Let’s bury the evidence, nobody will ever know.
200+ of the Hardest English Words to Pronounce
Are you ready to take on some more difficult English words? Here are over 200 English words that many learners—and even some native English speakers!—struggle to pronounce.
In the chart below, you can also see the official IPA pronunciation, a phonetic reading and the meaning of the word. Plus, click on any word to hear its audio.
| English Word | IPA Pronunciation | Phonetic Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accoutrements | əˈkuːtrəmənts | uh-KOO-truh-muhnts | Additional items of dress or equipment |
| Acquiesce | ˌækwiˈɛs | ak-wee-ES | To accept or comply without protest |
| Aesthetics | ɛsˈθɛtɪks | es-THET-iks | The branch of philosophy that deals with the nature of beauty and taste |
| Alliteration | əˌlɪtəˈreɪʃən | uh-li-tuh-RAY-shuhn | The repetition of initial sounds in a series of words |
| Anemone | əˈnɛməni | uh-NEH-muh-nee | A type of flower |
| Antediluvian | ˌæntɪdɪˈluːviən | an-ti-di-LOO-vee-un | Very old or old-fashioned |
| Anthropomorphic | ˌænθrəpoʊˈmɔːrfɪk | an-thruh-puh-MOR-fik | Having human characteristics or form |
| Anthropophagous | ˌænθrəˈpɒfəɡəs | an-thruh-POF-uh-guhs | Feeding on human flesh |
| Aphorism | ˈæfəˌrɪzəm | AF-uh-riz-uhm | A concise statement of a general truth or principle |
| Apostrophe | əˈpɒstrəfiː | uh-POS-truh-fee | A punctuation mark used to indicate possession or the omission of letters |
| Aptitude | ˈæptɪˌtud | AP-ti-tood | Natural ability or talent |
| Arboretum | ˌɑːrbəˈriːtəm | ahr-buh-REE-tuhm | A botanical garden devoted to trees |
| Archaeopteryx | ˌɑrkiːˈɒptərɪks | ar-kee-OP-tuh-riks | A fossil bird with characteristics of both birds and dinosaurs |
| Archipelago | ˌɑːrkɪˈpɛləɡoʊ | ahr-kih-PEL-uh-goh | A group or chain of islands |
| Architecture | ˈɑrkɪˌtɛkʧər | ar-ki-TEK-chuhr | The art and science of designing and constructing buildings |
| Asphyxiate | æsˈfɪksiˌeɪt | as-FIK-see-ayt | To cause to die or lose consciousness by depriving of air |
| Aurora | əˈrɔːrə | uh-RAWR-uh | Natural light display in the sky, also known as the "northern lights" |
| Aurora Borealis | əˌroʊrə bɔriˈælɪs | uh-RAWR-uh buh-ree-AL-is | The Northern Lights, a natural light display in the sky |
| Autodidact | ɔːtoʊˈdaɪdækt | aw-toh-DY-dakt | A self-taught person |
| Avuncular | əˈvʌŋkjələr | uh-VUHNG-kyuh-luhr | Kind, friendly, and helpful, especially towards younger people |
| Balaclava | ˌbæləˈklɑːvə | bal-uh-KLAA-vuh | A close-fitting garment covering the whole head and neck |
| Ballet | bæˈleɪ | bah-LAY | A theatrical dance form characterized by grace and precision |
| Bougainvillea | ˌbuːɡənˈvɪliːə | boo-guhn-VIL-ee-uh | A tropical climbing plant with colorful flowers |
| Bough | baʊ | bow | A main branch of a tree |
| Bourgeoisie | ˌbʊrʒwɑːˈziː | boor-zhwah-ZEE | The middle class, typically with materialistic values |
| Brooch | broʊtʃ | broach | A decorative pin or clasp |
| Bruschetta | bruˈskɛtə | broo-SKEH-tuh | An Italian appetizer of toasted bread topped with various ingredients |
| Byzantine | ˈbɪzənˌtin | bih-ZAN-teen | Relating to the Byzantine Empire or its architecture |
| Cacophony | kəˈkɒfəni | kuh-KAH-fuh-nee | A harsh, discordant mixture of sounds |
| Calliope | kəˈlaɪəpiː | kuh-LYE-uh-pee | A keyboard musical instrument resembling an organ |
| Capricious | kəˈprɪʃəs | kuh-PRISH-uhs | Given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior |
| Cartilage | ˈkɑːrtəlɪdʒ | KAR-tuh-lij | A tough, flexible connective tissue found in many parts of the body |
| Celadon | ˈsɛləˌdɒn | SEL-uh-don | A pale gray-green color or a type of ceramic pottery |
| Chiaroscuro | kiˌɑroʊˈskjʊroʊ | kee-AR-uh-SKOOR-oh | The use of strong contrasts of light and dark in art |
| Chrysanthemum | krɪˈsænθəməm | krih-SAN-thuh-muhm | A flowering plant of the daisy family |
| Chthonic | ˈθɒnɪk | THON-ik | Relating to the underworld or the earth |
| Cinnamon | ˈsɪnəmən | SIN-uh-muhn | A spice derived from the bark of certain trees |
| Clandestine | klænˈdɛstən | klan-DESS-tin | Kept secret or done secretively |
| Coalescence | ˌkoʊəˈlɛsns | koh-uh-LESS-uhns | The merging or joining together of elements into a whole |
| Cognoscenti | ˌkɑnjəˈʃɛntiː | kan-yuh-SHEN-tee | People who are considered to be experts or enthusiasts |
| Colloquial | kəˈloʊkwiəl | kuh-LOH-kwee-uhl | Informal or conversational language |
| Colonel | ˈkɜːrnəl | KUR-nl | An army rank |
| Connoisseur | ˌkɑːnəˈsɜːr | kon-uh-SUR | An expert judge in matters of taste |
| Conundrum | kəˈnʌndrəm | kuh-NUN-druhm | A confusing or difficult problem |
| Credulity | krɪˈdjuːlɪtiː | kruh-DOO-li-tee | A tendency to believe too readily or easily |
| Crescendo | krəˈʃɛndoʊ | kruh-SHEN-doh | A gradual increase in loudness or intensity |
| Crystalline | ˈkrɪstəˌlaɪn | KRIS-tuh-lin | Having the structure and form of crystals |
| Cynosure | ˈsaɪnəˌʃʊr | SY-nuh-shoor | A person or thing that is the center of attention or admiration |
| Czechoslovakia | ˌtʃɛkoʊsləˈvækiə | CHEK-oh-sluh-VAH-kee-uh | Former country in Central Europe |
| Debonair | dɪˈbɒnɛr | dih-BON-air | Confident, stylish, and charming |
| Defenestrate | ˌdiːfɪˈnɛstreɪt | dee-fuh-NES-treyt | To throw someone or something out of a window |
| Defibrillator | dɪˈfɪbrɪˌleɪtər | dih-FIB-ruh-lay-tuhr | A device used to restore a normal heartbeat |
| Deleterious | ˌdɛlɪˈtɪriəs | de-li-TEER-ee-uhs | Harmful or damaging |
| Denouement | deɪˈnuːmɒ̃ | dey-NOO-mawn | The final part of a play, movie, or narrative |
| Desiccate | ˈdɛsɪkeɪt | DES-i-kayt | To remove moisture from or dry out |
| Diaphragm | ˈdaɪəˌfræm | DYE-uh-fram | A dome-shaped muscular partition separating the thorax from the abdomen |
| Dichotomous | daɪˈkɑtəməs | dye-KAH-tuh-muhs | Divided or dividing into two parts or classifications |
| Dichotomy | daɪˈkɑtəmi | die-KAH-tuh-mee | A division or contrast between two things |
| Discombobulate | ˌdɪskəmˈbɑːbjəˌleɪt | dis-kuhm-BAH-byuh-layt | To confuse or disconcert |
| Ecclesiastical | ɪˌkliːziˈæstɪkəl | ih-klee-zee-AS-ti-kuhl | Relating to the Christian Church or clergy |
| Effervescent | ˌɛfərˈvɛsnt | ef-er-VES-uhnt | Giving off bubbles; fizzy |
| Efficacious | ˌɛfɪˈkeɪʃəs | ef-i-KAY-shuhs | Effective in producing a desired result |
| Egregious | ɪˈgriːʤəs | ih-GREE-juss | Outstandingly bad or shocking |
| Epiphany | ɪˈpɪfəni | ih-PIF-uh-nee | A moment of sudden realization or understanding |
| Epitaph | ˈɛpəˌtæf | EP-uh-taf | An inscription on a tomb or gravestone |
| Epitome | ɪˈpɪtəmi | ih-PIT-uh-mee | A perfect example or embodiment |
| Equanimity | ˌiːkwəˈnɪmətiː | ee-kwuh-NIM-i-tee | Mental calmness and composure in difficult situations |
| Equilibrium | ˌiːkwəˈlɪbriəm | ee-kwuh-LIB-ree-uhm | A state of balance or stability |
| Esoteric | ˌɛsəˈtɛrɪk | es-uh-TER-ik | Intended for or understood by only a small group |
| Esplanade | ˈɛspləˌneɪd | ES-pluh-neyd | A long, open, level area, typically next to a waterfront |
| Euphemism | ˈjuːfəmɪzəm | YOO-fuh-miz-uhm | A mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt |
| Euphoria | juˈfɔːriə | yoo-FOH-ree-uh | A feeling of intense happiness or excitement |
| Evanescent | ˌɛvəˈnɛsənt | ev-uh-NES-uhnt | Tending to vanish or disappear like vapor |
| Exacerbate | ɪɡˈzæsərbeɪt | ig-ZAS-uhr-bayt | Make (a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling) worse |
| Extemporaneous | ɪkˌstɛmpəˈreɪniəs | ik-STEM-puh-RAY-nee-uhs | Spoken or done without preparation or planning |
| Exuberant | ɪɡˈzuːbərənt | ig-ZOO-buh-ruhnt | Full of energy, excitement, and cheerfulness |
| Facetious | fəˈsiːʃəs | fuh-SEE-shuhs | Treating serious issues with deliberately inappropriate humor |
| Fauvism | ˈfoʊvɪzəm | FOH-viz-uhm | An early 20th-century art movement |
| Faux pas | foʊ ˈpɑː | foh-PAH | A social blunder or mistake |
| February | ˈfɛb.juˌɛri | FEB-yoo-erry | The second month of the year |
| Feuilleton | fjʊˈtɔːn | fyoo-TAWN | A part of a European newspaper devoted to light literature |
| Flamboyant | flæmˈbɔɪənt | flam-BOI-uhnt | Attracting attention through stylishness or confidence |
| Flibbertigibbet | ˈflɪbərtiˌdʒɪbɪt | FLIB-er-tee-jib-it | A frivolous or flighty person |
| Floccinaucinihilipilification | ˌflɒksɪˌnoʊsɪnˌɪhɪlɪˌpɪlɪfɪˈkeɪʃən | flok-si-noh-sin-i-hil-i-pil-i-fi-KAY-shuhn | The act of estimating something as worthless or unimportant |
| Frangipane | ˈfrændʒɪˌpeɪn | FRAN-juh-payn | A sweet almond-flavored pastry cream or filling |
| Fricassee | ˌfrɪkəˈsiː | frik-uh-SEE | A method of preparing meat by braising and stewing |
| Furtive | ˈfɜːrtɪv | FUR-tiv | Attempting to avoid notice or attention, typically because of guilt or a belief that discovery would lead to trouble |
| Fuselage | ˈfjuːzəˌlɑːʒ | FYOO-zuh-lahzh | The main body of an aircraft, excluding wings and tail |
| Galapagos | ˌɡæləˈpeɪɡəs | gal-uh-PAY-guhs | An archipelago in the Pacific Ocean, famous for its biodiversity |
| Galvanize | ˈɡælvənaɪz | GAL-vuh-nyz | To shock or excite someone into taking action |
| Gastronomy | ˈɡæstrɑːnəmiː | gas-TRAH-nuh-mee | The practice or art of choosing, cooking, and eating good food |
| Gist | dʒɪst | jist | The main or essential part of something |
| Gossamer | ˈɡɒsəmər | GOS-uh-mer | A fine, filmy substance consisting of cobwebs spun by small spiders |
| Haberdashery | ˌhæbərˈdæʃəriː | hab-er-DASH-uh-ree | A shop selling men's accessories and clothing |
| Haphazard | ˌhæpˈhæzərd | hap-HAZ-erd | Lacking any obvious principle of organization |
| Hemoglobin | ˌhiːmoʊˈɡloʊbɪn | hee-muh-GLOH-bin | A red protein responsible for transporting oxygen in the blood |
| Hierarchy | ˈhaɪəˌrɑrki | HY-uh-rahr-kee | A system of organization in which people or things are ranked |
| Homogeneous | ˌhoʊməˈdʒiːniəs | hoh-muh-JEE-nee-uhs | Of the same kind or nature |
| Hyperbole | haɪˈpɜːrbəliː | hi-per-buh-LEE | Exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally |
| Hypocrisy | hɪˈpɑkrəsi | hi-PAHK-ruh-see | Pretending to have qualities or beliefs that one does not actually have |
| Hypothesis | haɪˈpɑːθəsɪs | hi-PAH-thuh-sis | A supposition or proposed explanation based on limited evidence |
| Idiosyncrasy | ˌɪdiəˈsɪŋkrəsi | id-ee-uh-SING-kruh-see | A distinctive or peculiar feature or behavior |
| Inchoate | ɪnˈkoʊɪt | in-KOH-it | Just begun and not fully formed or developed |
| Ineffable | ɪnˈɛfəbəl | in-EF-uh-buhl | Too great or extreme to be expressed or described in words |
| Inoculate | ɪˈnɑːkjəleɪt | ih-NAHK-yuh-layt | To treat with a vaccine to produce immunity against a disease |
| Inscrutable | ɪnˈskruːtəbəl | in-SKROO-tuh-buhl | Impossible to understand or interpret |
| Interlocutor | ˌɪntərˈlɑːkjətər | in-ter-LAHK-yuh-ter | A person who takes part in a dialogue or conversation |
| Intransigent | ɪnˈtrænzɪdʒənt | in-TRAN-zi-juhnt | Unwilling to change one's views or agree |
| Intrepid | ɪnˈtrɛpɪd | in-TREP-id | Fearless; adventurous |
| Inundate | ˈɪnənˌdeɪt | IN-uhn-dayt | To overwhelm or flood with water, ideas, or information |
| Inveigle | ɪnˈveɪɡəl | in-VAY-guhl | To persuade someone to do something by deception or flattery |
| Irrevocable | ɪˈrɛvəkəbəl | ih-REV-uh-kuh-buhl | Not able to be changed, reversed, or recovered |
| Isthmus | ˈɪsməs | IS-muhs | A narrow strip of land with sea on either side |
| Jalapeno | ˌhɑːləˈpiːnoʊ | hah-luh-PEE-noh | A type of chili pepper |
| Jeopardy | ˈʤɛpərdiː | JEP-er-dee | Danger or risk of loss, harm, or failure |
| Kaleidoscope | kəˈlaɪdəˌskoʊp | kuh-LYE-duh-skohp | A toy consisting of a tube containing mirrors and colored objects |
| Labyrinth | ˈlæbərɪnθ | LAB-uh-rinth | A complicated network of paths or passages |
| Labyrinthine | ˌlæbəˈrɪnθaɪn | lab-uh-RIN-thyne | Intricate and confusing like a labyrinth |
| Lachrymose | ˈlækrɪmoʊs | LAK-ruh-mohs | Tearful or inclined to shed tears |
| Laissez-faire | ˌlɛseɪˈfɛr | les-ey-FAIR | A policy or attitude of letting things take their own course, without interfering |
| Languid | ˈlæŋɡwɪd | LANG-gwid | Displaying or having a disinclination for physical exertion or effort |
| Leitmotif | ˈlaɪtmoʊˌtiːf | LYTE-moh-teef | A recurring theme in a musical or literary work |
| Lieutenant | lɛfˈtɛnənt | lef-TEN-uhnt | A deputy or substitute acting for a superior |
| Lingerie | ˌlɒ̃ʒəˈriː | lawnzh-ree | Women's underwear and nightclothes |
| Loquacious | loʊˈkweɪʃəs | loh-KWAY-shuhs | Tending to talk a great deal |
| Lugubrious | luˈɡuːbriəs | loo-GOO-bree-uhs | Looking or sounding sad or dismal |
| Machiavellian | ˌmækiəvəˈliːən | mak-ee-uh-vuh-LEE-uhn | Cunning, scheming, and unscrupulous |
| Magnanimous | mæɡˈnænɪməs | mag-NAN-i-muhs | Generous or forgiving, especially towards a rival or less powerful person |
| Malfeasance | mælˈfiːzəns | mal-FEE-zuhns | Wrongdoing or misconduct, especially by a public official |
| Malleable | ˈmæliəbəl | MAL-ee-uh-buhl | Easily influenced or shaped |
| Mauve | moʊv | mohv | A pale purple color |
| Melancholy | ˈmɛləŋˌkɑːliː | MEL-uhn-kol-ee | A feeling of pensive sadness, typically with no obvious cause |
| Metallurgy | məˈtælərʤi | muh-TAL-ur-jee | The branch of science and technology concerned with the properties of metals and their production and purification |
| Metamorphosis | ˌmɛtəmɔrˈfoʊsɪs | met-uh-MOR-foh-sis | A change of form or nature into a completely different one |
| Meticulous | məˈtɪkjələs | muh-TIK-yuh-luhs | Showing great attention to detail; thorough |
| Milieu | miːˈljuː | mee-LYOO | A person's social environment or surroundings |
| Neophyte | ˈniːəˌfaɪt | NEE-uh-fyt | A person who is new to a subject, skill, or belief |
| Niche | nɪtʃ | neesh | A specialized segment of the market or a specific area of expertise |
| Nomenclature | ˌnoʊmənˈkleɪtʃər | noh-muhng-KLAY-chur | A system of naming or classifying things |
| Obsequious | əbˈsiːkwiəs | uhb-SEE-kwee-uhs | Obedient or attentive to an excessive or servile degree |
| Ominous | ˈɑːmɪnəs | AH-muh-nuhs | Giving the impression that something bad or unpleasant is going to happen |
| Omnipotent | ɑːmˈnɪpətənt | ahm-NIP-uh-tuhnt | Having unlimited power |
| Ophthalmologist | ˌɑfθælməˈlɑːʤɪst | af-thal-muh-LOH-jist | A medical doctor specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases |
| Oscillate | ˈɒsɪˌleɪt | OS-uh-layt | To move or swing back and forth between two points |
| Otorhinolaryngology | ˌoʊtoʊˌraɪnoʊˌlærɪŋˈɡɒləʤi | OH-toh-ry-noh-LAR-ing-GOL-uh-jee | The medical specialty dealing with the ear, nose, and throat |
| Panacea | ˌpænəˈsiːə | pan-uh-SEE-uh | A solution or remedy for all difficulties or diseases |
| Paraphernalia | ˌpærəfərˈneɪliə | par-uh-fuh-NAY-lee-uh | Equipment or accessories associated with a particular activity |
| Pariah | pəˈraɪə | puh-RY-uh | An outcast or someone who is rejected |
| Pastiche | pæˈstiːʃ | pah-STEESH | An artistic work that imitates the style of another artist or period |
| Penultimate | pɪˈnʌltɪmət | pi-NUL-tuh-muht | Second to last in a series or sequence |
| Perfunctory | pərˈfʌŋktəriː | pur-FUNK-tuh-ree | Carried out with a minimum of effort or reflection |
| Perpendicular | ˌpɜːr.pənˈdɪk.jə.lər | pur-puh n-DIK-yuh-lur | At an angle of 90 degrees to a given line, plane, or surface |
| Perspicacious | ˌpɜːrspɪˈkeɪʃəs | pur-spi-KAY-shuhs | Having a ready insight into and understanding of things |
| Perspicacity | ˌpɜrspɪˈkæsətiː | pur-spi-KAS-i-tee | Keenness of mental perception or understanding |
| Pharaoh | ˈfɛroʊ | FAY-roh | A ruler in ancient Egypt |
| Pharaohs | ˈfeəˌroʊz | FAIR-ohz | Rulers of ancient Egypt |
| Phenomenon | fəˈnɑːməˌnɒn | fuh-NAH-muh-non | A fact or event that can be observed or experienced |
| Philanthropy | fɪˈlænθrəpiː | fi-LAN-thruh-pee | The desire to promote the welfare of others, usually through donations |
| Photosynthesis | ˌfoʊtoʊˈsɪnθəsɪs | foh-toh-SIN-thuh-sis | The process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods |
| Plenipotentiary | ˌplɛnɪpəˈtɛnʃəriː | plen-uh-puh-TEN-shuh-ree | A person, especially a diplomatic representative, invested with full power or authority |
| Pneumonia | nuˈmoʊnjə | noo-MOH-nee-uh | Inflammation of the lungs caused by infection |
| Potpourri | ˌpoʊpʊˈriː | poh-poo-REE | A mixture of dried petals and spices used to scent the air |
| Precipice | ˈprɛsɪpɪs | PRES-uh-pis | A very steep rock face or cliff |
| Preternatural | priːtərˈnætʃərəl | pree-ter-NAT-shuh-ruhl | Beyond what is normal or natural |
| Pulchritudinous | ˌpʌlkriˈtjuːdɪnəs | pul-kri-TOO-di-nuhs | Beautiful; physically attractive |
| Querulous | ˈkwɛrjələs | KWER-yuh-luhs | Complaining in a petulant or whining manner |
| Queue | kjuː | kyoo | A line or sequence of people or vehicles waiting their turn |
| Quinoa | ˈkiːnwɑː | KEEN-wah | A grain-like crop grown primarily for its edible seeds |
| Quintessential | ˌkwɪntɪˈsɛnʃəl | kwin-tuh-SEN-shuhl | Representing the most perfect or typical example of something |
| Quotidian | kwəˈtɪdiən | kwoh-TID-ee-uhn | Occurring or recurring daily |
| Rambunctious | ræmˈbʌŋktʃəs | ram-BUNK-shuhs | Uncontrollably exuberant or boisterous |
| Rapport | ræˈpɔːr | ra-POR | A close and harmonious relationship |
| Rendezvous | ˈrɑndeɪˌvuː | RAHN-duh-voo | A meeting at an agreed time and place |
| Resilience | rɪˈzɪliəns | ri-ZIL-yuhns | The ability to recover quickly from difficult conditions |
| Sagacious | səˈɡeɪʃəs | suh-GAY-shuhs | Having or showing keen mental discernment and good judgment |
| Salmagundi | ˌsælməˈɡʌndi | sal-muh-GUHN-dee | A dish of various meats, vegetables, fruits, and seasonings, mixed together |
| Sassafras | ˈsæsəˌfræs | SAS-uh-fras | An aromatic deciduous tree of the laurel family |
| Schadenfreude | ˈʃɑːdənˌfrɔɪd | SHAH-dn-froy-duh | Pleasure derived from the misfortune of others |
| Schnapps | ʃnæps | shnaps | A type of strong alcoholic drink |
| Seismograph | ˈsaɪzməˌɡræf | SYZ-muh-graf | An instrument that measures and records earthquakes |
| Serendipity | ˌsɛrənˈdɪpətiː | ser-uhn-DIP-uh-tee | The occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way |
| Soporific | ˌsɑːpəˈrɪfɪk | sah-puh-RIF-ik | Tending to induce drowsiness or sleepiness |
| Sphygmomanometer | ˌsfɪɡmoʊməˈnɑːmɪtər | sfig-muh-muh-NOM-i-ter | A device used to measure blood pressure |
| Squirrel | ˈskwɜːrəl | SKWUR-uhl | A small, agile rodent with a bushy tail |
| Subpoena | səˈpinə | suh-PEE-nuh | A writ ordering a person to attend a court |
| Sycophant | ˈsɪkəfənt | SIK-uh-fuhnt | A person who acts obsequiously towards someone important in order to gain advantage |
| Synecdoche | sɪˈnɛkdəki | sih-NEK-duh-kee | A figure of speech in which a part represents the whole |
| Taciturn | ˈtæsɪtɜːrn | TAS-i-tern | Reserved or uncommunicative in speech |
| Tenebrous | ˈtɛnəbrəs | TEN-uh-bruhs | Dark, shadowy, or obscure |
| Tmesis | təˈmiːsɪs | tuh-MEE-sis | The insertion of one or more words between the words of a compound phrase |
| Tsunami | suːˈnɑːmi | soo-NAH-mee | A long high sea wave caused by an earthquake or other disturbance |
| Ubiquitous | juːˈbɪkwɪtəs | yoo-BI-kwuh-tuhs | Present, appearing, or found everywhere |
| Unctuous | ˈʌŋkʃuəs | UHNGK-choo-uhs | Excessively flattering or ingratiating |
| Uvula | ˈjuːvjələ | YOO-vyuh-luh | A fleshy extension at the back of the soft palate |
| Valet | ˈvæleɪ | VAL-ay | A personal attendant or servant |
| Vexatious | vɛkˈseɪʃəs | vek-SEY-shuhs | Causing or tending to cause annoyance, frustration, or worry |
| Vexillology | ˌvɛksɪˈlɒləʤiː | vek-si-LAW-luh-jee | The study of flags |
| Visceral | ˈvɪsərəl | VISS-er-uhl | Relating to deep inward feelings rather than to the intellect |
| Vivacious | vɪˈveɪʃəs | vi-VAY-shuhs | Lively and animated |
| Whimsical | ˈwɪmzɪkəl | WIM-zi-kuhl | Playfully quaint or fanciful |
| Worcestershire | ˈwʊstərʃər | WUUS-tuhr-shuhr | A type of sauce |
| Xylophone | ˈzaɪləfoʊn | ZY-luh-fohn | A musical instrument played by striking wooden bars |
| Yacht | jɑːt | yaht | A medium-sized sailboat or motorboat used for pleasure or racing |
| Zeitgeist | ˈzaɪtɡaɪst | ZYTE-gyst | The defining spirit or mood of a particular period of history |
| Zephyr | ˈzɛfər | ZEF-er | A soft, gentle breeze |
| Zucchini | zuˈkiːniː | zoo-KEE-nee | A type of summer squash |
English words can be quite complex when it comes to pronunciation. With a little bit of hard work, any English learner can definitely figure them out. It just takes some context, the proper pronunciation and a desire to master the English language. Good luck!
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