4

As this question points out, there are two different meanings of undoable.

I can't find any phonetics how they are pronounced. I guess that the difference is barely audible. Or do you stress the word so that it is capable of being differentiated?

I found phonetics for undo and doable(copied from OALD)

  • undo: ʌnˈduː
  • doable: ˈduːəbl

It would be logical that both undo-able and un-doable are pronounced equal.

  • ʌnˈduː has a trailed əbl
  • ˈduːəbl has a precedent ʌn.

Both leads to: ʌnˈduːəbl.

But I conjecture this pronunciation to differentiate them:

  • un-doable: ʌnˈduːəbl
  • undo-able: ˈʌnduːəbl

Is there any audible difference in pronunciation? Perhaps are there also any difference between British and American English?

2
  • 9
    There is no difference in pronunciation. In both cases the stress would fall on the middle syllable.
    – Robusto
    Feb 17, 2012 at 12:41
  • "too localised" - who apart from OP would conjecture this difference in pronunciation? Feb 18, 2012 at 0:46

1 Answer 1

1
  • your pronunciation of 'doable' looks correct (for AmE)
  • the phonemes you have for 'undo' look correct, but the stress pattern, though formally correct may not allow you to draw inferences about changes well. It is more a word with two stressed syllables (a 'spondee')
  • adding on affixes is not independent in English. You have to take in to account the whole word to get it right.
  • so the correct pronunciation is your first one ʌnˈduːəbl

As an aside, the schwa in English (or GenAmE, I can't speak for others) is always in an unstressed position, and the 'ʌ' is almost a schwa.

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.