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.

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