How to Pronounce “Exactly”
To begin with, it is important to note that “exactly” is pronounced as /ɪɡˈzækt.li/ in standard English. Here is a breakdown of the pronunciation:
- The first syllable, “ex,” is pronounced as /ɪɡˈz/.
- The second syllable, “act,” is pronounced as /ækt/.
- The third syllable, “ly,” is pronounced as /li/.
To improve your pronunciation, follow these steps:
- Begin with the “ex” sound by forming the “ih” sound as in “sit” (/ɪ/) and then move to the voiced “g” sound (/ɡ/). Lastly, end with the “z” sound (/z/).
- Proceed to the second syllable, “act.” Start with the short “a” sound (/æ/) like in “cat” and continue with the hard “k” sound (/k/). The final “t” sound (/t/) should then be released.
- Finally, pronounce the last syllable, “ly,” by articulating the “l” sound (/l/) followed by a long “e” sound (/i/).
Remember, practice makes perfect! Listen to native speakers, repeat the pronunciation, and pay attention to the way your tongue, lips, and vocal cords move to produce the sounds accurately.
I hope this guide helps you pronounce “exactly” correctly!