How to Pronounce "applicable"
The correct pronunciation of "applicable" is AP-li-kuh-buhl /ˈæplɪkəbəl/. Tap play to hear it, say it into your mic for a free clarity check, and fix the "uh-PLIK-uh-bul" habit for good.
applicable
/ˈæplɪkəbəl/Relevant or appropriate to a particular situation.
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Record yourself saying “applicable” and get a real, AI-graded pronunciation score with word-by-word feedback — free, no account needed.The Indian-English Mistake: "uh-PLIK-uh-bul" — and the Fix
| Aspect | Common in India (incorrect) | Correct |
|---|---|---|
| Sounds like | Saying 'uh-PLIK-uh-bul' with the stress on the second syllable. | AP-li-kuh-buhl /ˈæplɪkəbəl/ |
| Stress | Often on the wrong syllable | First syllable (AP). |
How Do You Pronounce "applicable"?
"applicable" is pronounced AP-li-kuh-buhl /ˈæplɪkəbəl/. The stress is on the first syllable (AP). As a adjective, it means relevant or appropriate to a particular situation.
The stress sits on the FIRST syllable, AP — not on 'PLIC' in the middle.
Note: US commonly stresses the second syllable, /əˈplɪkəbəl/ ("uh-PLIK-uh-bul"); UK and Indian-taught English lead with front stress, AP-li-kuh-buhl.
Say "applicable" Step by Step
Break the word down, get the stress right, then blend it back together at normal speed. Repeat each step out loud three times.
Break it into syllables
AP-li-kuh-buhl — say each part slowly and separately first.
Stress the right part
First syllable (AP). Make the stressed syllable a little louder and longer.
Nail the key sound
The stress sits on the FIRST syllable, AP — not on 'PLIC' in the middle.
Blend and repeat
Now say "applicable" at normal speed: AP-li-kuh-buhl. Record yourself and compare.
Minimal-Pair Drills for "applicable" (2 Minutes, Out Loud)
Say each drill line aloud, slowly first, then at normal speed. On the last drill, use the mic check at the top of this page to test yourself.
APPLE → APPLICABLE
Start both with a stressed AP; keep the beat up front.
NOT uh-PLIK-uh-bul — AP-li-kuh-buhl
Don't stress PLIC; only the first beat is loud.
Say at speed: "This rule is not applicable to students."
Hold front stress at conversation pace.
Why "applicable" Is Tricky — and How to Fix It
Why this happens
Indian English carries the stress of the root 'apply' forward, so it lands on PLIC instead of AP.
Tip: Hit the front hard and let the rest trail off: AP-li-kuh-buhl.
Hear “applicable” in a Sentence
Read each line aloud with the same rhythm. The word to listen for is in bold.
This rule is not applicable to students.
Fill in the applicable fields only.
The discount is applicable on all orders.
Words Related to "applicable"
Now say it inside a sentence
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Frequently Asked Questions
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