Words ending with the suffix “-ary” can be tricky for non-native English speakers. They are frequently mispronounced as if the “a” has a long /e/ sound, but this is incorrect. Instead, in words like “primary,” “secondary,” and the one we will be focusing on in this article, “tertiary,” the “a” has a short /a/ sound, like the “a” in “cat.” In addition, the stress in these words falls on the second-to-last syllable, not on the final syllable where it might seem to belong.
Another common error when pronouncing “tertiary” is omitting the “r” sound. This is likely due to the fact that this consonant becomes silent when it appears at the end of a word, as in “sister” or “computer.” However, in the middle of a word, the “r” sound must be pronounced, or else the word will not be recognizable. So, when saying “tertiary,” remember to let your tongue tap the roof of your mouth to create that distinct “r” sound.
Finally, it is important to be aware of the different meanings that “tertiary” can have. The most common definition is “coming after the first and second.” For example, “tertiary education” refers to the level of education that comes after high school and undergraduate studies. However, “tertiary” can also mean “of lesser importance.” In this sense, it is often used in opposition to “primary” and “secondary.” For instance, we might refer to a “tertiary character” in a novel as one who is not as important as the main characters.
Breaking Down the Syllables
**Step 1: Divide into Syllables**
To pronounce “tertiary” correctly, it’s helpful to break it down into its three syllables: “ter-shee-uh-ree”. Each syllable has its own distinct sound and stress pattern.
**Step 2: Understand the Sounds**
Now, let’s break down each syllable individually:
| Syllable | Sound | Example |
|---|---|---|
| ter | /tɜːr/ | turn |
| shee | /ʃiː/ | sheep |
| uh-ree | /ə.riː/ | Mary |
**Step 3: Combine the Syllables**
Once you understand the individual sounds, it’s time to combine the syllables to form the complete pronunciation of “tertiary”:
**ter-shee-uh-ree**
/ˈtɜːr.ʃiː.ə.riː/
This pronunciation emphasizes the first syllable and softens the “e” in the middle syllable. By following these steps, you can master the pronunciation of “tertiary” with confidence.
Stress the Second Syllable
When pronouncing tertiary, the stress should be placed on the second syllable, with the emphasis on the “er.” This is the most common pronunciation and is used in both British and American English.
To practice pronouncing tertiary correctly, try saying the following words out loud:
| Word | Pronunciation |
|---|---|
| Tertiary | ter-SHER-ee |
| Terrestrial | te-RES-tree-al |
| Tertiary education | ter-SHER-ee ed-yoo-KAY-shun |
Once you’ve practiced a few times, you’ll be able to pronounce tertiary correctly every time.
Pronouncing the ‘T’ Sound
The ‘t’ sound in ‘tertiary’ is pronounced as a ‘t’. This sound is a voiceless alveolar stop. To pronounce the ‘t’ sound, place the tip of your tongue against the roof of your mouth just behind your upper front teeth. Then, quickly release the air from your lungs to create the ‘t’ sound.
The ‘t’ sound can also be pronounced as a ‘d’ sound in certain contexts. This is known as ‘alveolar flap’. The alveolar flap occurs when the ‘t’ sound is followed by an unstressed vowel sound and the next syllable is stressed. For example, the ‘t’ sound in ‘water’ is pronounced as a ‘d’ sound because it is followed by an unstressed vowel sound and the next syllable is stressed.
| Pronunciation | Example |
|---|---|
| ‘t’ | tertiary, twenty |
| ‘d’ | water, button, gentle |
Rolling the ‘R’
The ‘r’ sound in ‘tertiary’ is pronounced with a rolled ‘r’. To roll the ‘r’, you need to:
- Place the tip of your tongue behind your upper front teeth.
- Blow air out from your lungs and vibrate your tongue against the roof of your mouth.
- Keep your tongue in this position and let the air flow over it, creating a rolling sound.
- Practice: Here is a table with practice words and phrases to help you master the rolling ‘r’:
| Word/Phrase | Pronunciation with Rolling ‘R’ |
|---|---|
| Rojo | Hoho |
| Guerra | Gueha |
| Carro | Caho |
| La rosa es roja | La hoha e hoha |
| El guerrero es fuerte | El gueheho e fuehte |
| El carro es rápido | El caho e hapido |
Once you can produce a clean and consistent rolled ‘r’, you can apply it to the pronunciation of ‘tertiary’. Remember to position your tongue correctly and let the air flow freely over it to achieve the desired sound.
Ending with the ‘Y’ Sound
Words that end with the letter “y” can be pronounced either with a long “e” sound or a short “i” sound. In the case of “tertiary,” it is pronounced with a short “i” sound.
Here are some additional examples of words that end with the “y” sound:
| Word | Pronunciation |
|---|---|
| Activity | アクティビティ |
| Army | アーミー |
| Baby | ベビー |
| Busy | ビジー |
| Country | カントリー |
| Family | ファミリー |
| Happy | ハッピー |
| Party | パーティー |
| Story | ストーリー |
It is important to note that there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, the word “gymnasium” is pronounced with a long “e” sound.
Common Mispronunciations
There are several common mispronunciations of “tertiary” that should be avoided to ensure accurate pronunciation.
| Incorrect Pronunciation | Correct Pronunciation |
|---|---|
| Tuh-shee-airy | Ter-shee-airy |
| Tuh-sher-y | Ter-sher-y |
| Tur-shi-airy | Ter-shi-airy |
The Third Syllable: Mispronounced as “-airy”
One of the most common mispronunciations is pronouncing the third syllable as “-airy” instead of “-ery.” This error occurs when the “r” sound is dropped, altering the pronunciation to resemble words like “fairy” or “dairy.” The correct pronunciation emphasizes the “er” sound, as in “ter.” To practice, try saying the word “tertiary” slowly and clearly, paying attention to the distinct pronunciation of the third syllable.
The Second Syllable: Mispronounced as “-sher-“
Another common mispronunciation involves the second syllable. Some speakers mistakenly pronounce it as “-sher-” instead of “-shi-.” This error is particularly prevalent among native English speakers who may not be familiar with the “schwa” sound, a neutral vowel sound represented by the “i” in “tertiary.” When pronouncing the second syllable correctly, it should produce a subtle “shi” sound, similar to the pronunciation of words like “shirt” or “ship.”
Practice Makes Perfect
Repetition is crucial for improving pronunciation. The more you say a word, the more comfortable you’ll become with its sound. Here are some tips for practicing:
Listen Carefully
Pay attention to how native speakers pronounce “tertiary.” Listen to audio recordings or videos where the word is used in context.
Repeat Often
Say “tertiary” aloud repeatedly, both in isolation and in sentences. Focus on getting the tongue placement and vowel sounds correct.
Record Yourself
Record yourself saying “tertiary” and listen back. This will help you identify any areas where your pronunciation needs improvement.
Use a Mirror
Watch yourself in the mirror while saying “tertiary.” Pay attention to the shape of your mouth and the movement of your tongue.
Break it Down
Divide the word into smaller parts, such as “ter-shuh-ree.” Practice pronouncing each part separately before putting them together.
Use Resources
There are many online resources, such as dictionaries and pronunciation guides, that can provide you with the correct pronunciation of “tertiary.”
Be Patient
Improving pronunciation takes time. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately. Keep practicing and you’ll eventually master the pronunciation of “tertiary.”
Listening to Native Speakers
Immerse yourself in English-speaking media by listening to podcasts, watching movies or TV shows, and tuning into English-language radio stations. Note the pronunciation of “tertiary” in various contexts and observe how native speakers articulate the sounds.
Native Speaker Pronunciation:
| Description | |
|---|---|
| Primary Stress: | The first syllable (“ter”) receives the main emphasis (TER-she-er-ee). |
| Secondary Stress: | The third syllable (“ee”) is pronounced with a slightly less pronounced stress. |
| Vowel Sounds: |
|
| Consonant Sounds: |
|
Tips:
* Pay attention to the rhythm and intonation of native speakers.
* Repeat the pronunciation out loud to practice and refine your articulation.
* Use a pronunciation dictionary or app to check your pronunciation.
Using Pronunciation Tools
Using Pronunciation Dictionaries
Dictionaries like Merriam-Webster and Oxford Dictionaries provide audio pronunciations for words. Use the search box to find “tertiary” and click the speaker icon to hear the pronunciation.
Using Online Pronunciation Guides
Websites like Forvo and Pronunciation Guide offer pronunciations recorded by native speakers. Type “tertiary” into the search bar and listen to the recordings.
Using Speech Synthesizers
Tools like Google Translate and Text-to-Speech can synthesize the pronunciation of “tertiary.” Copy and paste the word into the text field and click the “play” button.
Using Language Learning Apps
Apps like Duolingo and Rosetta Stone often include pronunciation exercises. Look for lessons that cover the pronunciation of “tertiary” or similar words.
Using Phonetic Transcription
IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) provides a standardized system for representing sounds. The IPA transcription for “tertiary” is: /ˈtɜːʃəri/.
Using Minimal Pairs
Minimal pairs are two words that differ by only one sound. Practice pronouncing “tertiary” alongside words like “cherry” and “terry” to hear the difference in the /ɜː/ sound.
Using Tongue Twisters
Tongue twisters like “The tertiary tutor taught trigonometry” can help you practice producing the /ɜː/ sound in a fluid manner.
Using Rhymes
Words that rhyme with “tertiary,” such as “scary” and “contrary,” can provide a reference point for the pronunciation of the /ɜː/ sound.
Practice, Practice, Practice
The key to improving pronunciation is consistent practice. Speak the word aloud repeatedly, focusing on the correct production of the /ɜː/ sound. Use recordings of yourself to monitor your progress and make adjustments as needed.
| Resource | Features |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation Dictionaries | Audio pronunciations, definitions, and usage examples |
| Online Pronunciation Guides | Recordings by native speakers, often with multiple pronunciations |
| Speech Synthesizers | Synthesized pronunciations, adjustable speech rate |
| Language Learning Apps | Interactive exercises, pronunciation drills, and feedback |
| Phonetic Transcription | Standardized system for representing sounds, accurate pronunciation |
| Minimal Pairs | Highlight subtle pronunciation differences, improved discrimination |
| Tongue Twisters | Practice fluency and accuracy in pronunciation |
| Rhymes | Provide a familiar reference point for pronunciation |
Pronunciation of Tertiary
Tertiary is a three-syllable word that follows the stress pattern of “stress-unstress-stress.” The correct pronunciation is “TER-shee-air-ee.” Here’s a breakdown of each syllable:
- “TER”: Pronounced with a short “e” sound, as in “tern.”
- “shee”: Pronounced with a “sh” sound, as in “sheen.”
- “air”: Pronounced with the “air” diphthong, as in “hair.”
- “ee”: Pronounced with a long “e” sound, as in “tree.”
Tips for Improving Pronunciation
- Listen to native speakers: Listen to how native English speakers pronounce the word and imitate their pronunciation.
- Practice speaking slowly: Break down the syllables and practice pronouncing each one slowly before combining them.
- Use a mirror: Observe your mouth as you speak to ensure you are forming the correct sounds.
- Record yourself: Record yourself saying the word and listen to it to identify any areas for improvement.
- Use a pronunciation dictionary: Consult a pronunciation dictionary to verify the correct pronunciation.
- Read aloud: Read texts that contain the word “tertiary” aloud to practice speaking it in context.
- Enlist help from a tutor or teacher: Seek professional guidance from a tutor or teacher who can provide feedback and support.
- Use online resources: Utilize websites and apps that offer pronunciation exercises and tools.
- Sing songs that contain the word: Music can be a fun way to practice pronunciation in a more natural context.
- Be patient and persistent: Improving pronunciation takes time and effort. Keep practicing and don’t get discouraged if you make mistakes.
How To Pronounce “Tertiary”
The word “tertiary” is pronounced with three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable. The first syllable is pronounced with a short “e” sound, as in the word “bet”. The second syllable is pronounced with the letter “r” followed by a long “i” sound, as in the word “bee”. The third syllable is pronounced with a short “a” sound, as in the word “cat”.
Here is a breakdown of the pronunciation of the word “tertiary”:
- First syllable: “ter” (pronounced with a short “e” sound)
- Second syllable: “-shi-” (pronounced with the letter “r” followed by a long “i” sound)
- Third syllable: “-ary” (pronounced with a short “a” sound)
The word “tertiary” can be used as an adjective or a noun. As an adjective, it means “third in rank, order, or importance”. As a noun, it refers to the third level of education, which is typically a college or university.
People Also Ask About How To Pronounce “Tertiary”
How do you pronounce “tertiary” in British English?
In British English, the word “tertiary” is pronounced with four syllables, with the stress on the third syllable. The first syllable is pronounced with a short “e” sound, as in the word “bet”. The second syllable is pronounced with the letter “r” followed by a short “i” sound, as in the word “bit”. The third syllable is pronounced with a long “a” sound, as in the word “father”. The fourth syllable is pronounced with a short “y” sound, as in the word “city”.
Here is a breakdown of the pronunciation of the word “tertiary” in British English:
- First syllable: “ter” (pronounced with a short “e” sound)
- Second syllable: “-shi-” (pronounced with the letter “r” followed by a short “i” sound)
- Third syllable: “-a-” (pronounced with a long “a” sound)
- Fourth syllable: “-ry” (pronounced with a short “y” sound)
What does the word “tertiary” mean?
The word “tertiary” means “third in rank, order, or importance”. It can be used as an adjective or a noun. As an adjective, it is often used to describe something that is less important than two other things. For example, you might say that your “tertiary goal” is to get a good night’s sleep. As a noun, it refers to the third level of education, which is typically a college or university.
How do I use the word “tertiary” in a sentence?
Here are some examples of how to use the word “tertiary” in a sentence:
- My tertiary goal is to get a good night’s sleep.
- I am currently pursuing a tertiary education at the local university.
- The tertiary sector of the economy is growing rapidly.
