English is full of words that trip up even native speakers. Mispronunciations can be embarrassing, especially in professional or academic settings. Here’s a list of the top 10 commonly mispronounced words, their meanings, correct pronunciations, and examples to help you master them.

1. Mischievous

Say it like: MIS-chuh-vuhs
Meaning: Playfully naughty or causing minor trouble.
Common Mistake: “mis-CHEE-vee-us”
Example: The mischievous puppy hid my shoes under the sofa.

2. Nuclear

Say it like: NEW-klee-er
Meaning: Related to the nucleus of an atom or energy derived from it.
Common Mistake: “nuke-u-lar”
Example: Scientists are researching safer nuclear energy solutions.

3. Pronunciation

Say it like: pro-NUN-see-ay-shun
Meaning: The way in which a word is spoken.
Common Mistake: “pro-noun-ciation”
Example: She has an excellent pronunciation of French words.

4. Library

Say it like: LIE-brer-ee
Meaning: A place where books and resources are available for reading or borrowing.
Common Mistake: “lie-berry”
Example: I spent the afternoon studying at the local library.

5. Etcetera

Say it like: et-SET-er-uh
Meaning: And so on; and other similar things.
Common Mistake: “ex-etcetera”
Example: We need to buy fruits, vegetables, snacks, etc.

6. Sherbet

Say it like: SHER-bet
Meaning: A sweet, frozen dessert, similar to sorbet.
Common Mistake: “sherbert”
Example: I had a lemon sherbet after dinner.

7. Espresso

Say it like: es-PRESS-oh
Meaning: A strong coffee made by forcing steam through finely ground coffee.
Common Mistake: “expresso”
Example: I start every morning with a shot of espresso.

8. Asterisk

Say it like: AS-tuh-risk
Meaning: The symbol (*) used in writing or printing to mark a footnote.
Common Mistake: “asteriks”
Example: Don’t forget to include an asterisk for the footnote.

9. Comfortable

Say it like: KUMF-tuh-bul
Meaning: Providing physical ease and relaxation.
Common Mistake: “com-for-ta-ble”
Example: These shoes are surprisingly comfortable.

10. Often

Say it like: AW-fen (silent “t”)
Meaning: Frequently; many times.
Common Mistake: Pronouncing the “t” as in “off-ten”
Example: I often visit my grandparents on weekends.

Final Thoughts

Mispronouncing words is common—even for fluent speakers. Paying attention to pronunciation improves clarity and boosts confidence. Practice these ten words, and you’ll sound sharper and more articulate in conversations and presentations.

Language of the Day: Commonly Mispronounced Words