The word "labyrinth" is pronounced differently in American and British English, though both place the primary stress on the first syllable.
Pronunciation Breakdown
The key to correctly saying "labyrinth" lies in understanding its three syllables and the subtle vowel sound differences depending on the regional accent.
1. American English Pronunciation
In American English, "labyrinth" is typically pronounced with a schwa sound (like the "uh" in "sofa") for the second vowel.
- Phonetic Spelling (IPA): /ˈlæbərɪnθ/
- Simplified Pronunciation: LAB-uh-rinth
- Breakdown:
- LAB (rhymes with "cab")
- uh (as in "sofa")
- rinth (rhymes with "fifth")
- Listen Here: Merriam-Webster: Labyrinth
2. British English Pronunciation
In British English, the second vowel sound in "labyrinth" is usually a short 'i' sound (as in "pit").
- Phonetic Spelling (IPA): /ˈlæbɪrɪnθ/
- Simplified Pronunciation: LAB-i-rinth
- Breakdown:
- LAB (rhymes with "cab")
- i (as in "pit" or "sit")
- rinth (rhymes with "fifth")
- Listen Here: Oxford Learner's Dictionaries: Labyrinth
Comparative Pronunciation Table
To highlight the differences, here's a quick comparison:
| Feature | American English | British English |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Stress | First syllable | First syllable |
| Second Vowel | Schwa (uh) |
Short 'i' (i) |
| Simplified | LAB-uh-rinth | LAB-i-rinth |
Tips for Mastering the Pronunciation
- Emphasize the First Syllable: In both accents, the strongest emphasis is on "LAB."
- Practice Each Syllable: Say "LAB," then "uh" or "i," then "rinth," gradually combining them.
- Pay Attention to the 'th' Sound: Ensure it's a soft 'th' (as in "think" or "path"), not a hard 't' or 'd' sound.
- Utilize Audio Guides: Listen to native speakers on reputable dictionary websites to familiarize yourself with the rhythm and intonation.
By focusing on these nuances, you can confidently pronounce "labyrinth" in either accent.
