Proper Pronunciation Guide
aficionado
[ə ˏfɪ ʃiə
nɑ do͜u]
Tips:
- Pronounce this word as six syllables, giving a minor stress to the second syllable [fɪ] and the major stress to the fifth syllable [nɑ].
- Pronounce the initial letter “a” as the weak schwa vowel /ə/.
- Pronounce the third syllable—spelled “ci”—like the word “she.”
- Use the y-like consonant glide /j/ to link from the third to the fourth syllable — from/i/ to/ə/.
- Pronounce the letter “a” in the fifth syllable as /ɑ/—like the stressed vowel in the word “father.”
Practice Sentences:
Oscar is an aficionado of wine and good cigars. | |
In the obituary of the historian, Arthur Schlesinger, Jr., the writer states "He was a lifelong aficionado of perfectly blended martinis." (New York Times, March 2, 2007, p37) |
Definition:
(noun) A connoisseur; one who has detailed knowledge of a certain habit or practice and appreciates it fully.