Thwart is a four-syllable word pronounced \THwɔrt\ with the emphasis placed on the second syllable.
To begin, the \TH\ sound is created by pressing the tip of your tongue to the back of your upper teeth and releasing a puff of air. This sound is often referred to as a “voiceless dental fricative”.
The \w\ sound is created by forming a tight circle with your lips and releasing a steady stream of air. This is often referred to as a “labiodental approximant”.
The \ɔ\ sound is created by relaxing your lips and slightly opening your mouth while making a low, round sound. This is often referred to as an “open-mid back rounded vowel”.
The \rt\ sound is created by pressing the tip of your tongue to the back of your upper teeth and releasing a puff of air. This is often referred to as an “alveolar approximant”.
To summarize, the correct pronunciation of thwart is \THwɔrt\ with the emphasis placed on the second syllable.
With practice and repetition, you will be able to confidently pronounce this word and others like it.
Definition of
thwart
What does it mean
thwart
Frequently asked questions
How do you say thwart correctly?
To pronounce “thwart” properly, emphasize the initial “thw” sound, followed by a short “or” and a soft “t” at the end. Practice it aloud while listening to native English speakers to get the subtle combination of the ‘th’ and ‘w’ sounds right. Using a tool like Pronounce AI or getpronounce.com can be extremely helpful for perfecting your pronunciation.
What are some synonyms for thwart?
Some commonly used synonyms for “thwart” include “foil,” “frustrate,” and “block.” The choice depends on the context: for example, “foil” might be used in a strategic scenario, while “block” indicates a more direct prevention.
Are there alternative pronunciations of thwart?
Yes, the word “thwart” can have minor variations based on regional accents. In American English, you might hear a slightly softer ‘r’ sound, whereas in British English, it can be more pronounced. The difference is subtle, but it’s worth listening to both versions to hear how that ‘r’ is enunciated.