Proper Pronunciation Guide
address
[
æ drɛs]
Tips:
- In the first pronunciation stress the first syllable, pronouncing the letter “a” as the short vowel /æ/—like the vowel in the word “cat.”
- In the second pronunciation stress the second syllable, pronouncing the initial letter “a” as the weak schwa vowel /ə/.
Practice Sentences:
| His address is 431 West 48th Street. | |
| What is your address? | |
| He addressed the letter to the president of the company. |
Notes:
- This is one of those words, such as “present” or “record,” which is stressed on the first syllable when it is used as a noun and on the second syllable when it is used as a verb. When using this word as a verb stress only the second syllable. However, when using this particular word as a noun, you may stress either the first or second syllable. Stressing the first syllable gives the word more emphasis, while stressing the second syllable is smoother—and perhaps more elegant.
- When stressing the second syllable this word becomes a homophone (same pronunciation) with “a dress.” However, there is usually no confusion of meaning because of the context. If the homophones were to be used in the same sentence (When she ordered a dress on-line, they asked for her address), then stress the first syllable in “address” to contrast with “a dress.”