how to pronounce mural

Have you ever noticed the difference in pronunciation between “mural” and “murder”?

The Pronunciation of Mural

Mural is pronounced as /ˈmyər.əl/ in American English and /ˈmjʊər.əl/ in British English. This word refers to large paintings or other artworks that are painted directly on a wall or ceiling. It is often used in the context of public art, architectural decoration, and interior design.

The Similarity Between Mural and Murder

While “mural” and “murder” share the same root, their meanings could not be more different. The former can refer to artistic creations while the latter is an act of illegal killing. Despite this stark contrast, they both contain the same phonetic sequence - the “mur” part followed by the “al” ending.

Tips for Pronouncing Mural

To properly pronounce “mural,” start with the ’m’ sound, which is always silent in this word. Next, say ‘ur’ like the ‘ur’ in ‘fur.’ Finally, finish with the ‘al’ sound, similar to the ‘al’ in ‘call.’ Remember, the ‘a’ in ‘mural’ is pronounced as a short ‘a’ sound, not a long one. Practice saying “mural” several times to ensure you have the correct pronunciation.

Common Mispronunciations of Mural

One common mispronunciation of “mural” is to say it as if it were spelled “murder.” However, “murder” has a different pronunciation, /ˈmɜːdər/. Another frequent mistake is pronouncing the ‘a’ sound in “mural” as a long ‘a,’ such as in “mural” /ˈmyər.əl/, instead of the short ‘a’ sound /ˈmjʊər.əl/.

Related Questions

Q: How do I know if I am pronouncing “mural” correctly? A: To ensure you are pronouncing “mural” correctly, focus on the ’m’ being silent, then say ‘ur’ as in ‘fur,’ and end with the ‘al’ sound, similar to ‘call.’

Q: What’s the difference between “mural” and “murder”? A: “Mural” refers to large paintings or artworks painted on walls or ceilings, whereas “murder” means unlawful killing.

Q: Can you provide some examples of where I might hear “mural” used in everyday speech? A: You might hear “mural” used when discussing public art installations, home decor, or architectural features. For example, a tour guide might mention a mural in a museum or explain how a mural was added to a building’s exterior.