The pronunciation of "nOtify"

Question

Especially the "o" sound of the word, I noticed that Americans pronounce it as "o" instead "a", as opposed to what they do with a lot of o syllables.

I want to ask why? Then how can I determine when to pronounce it as O instead of A?

Thank you!:)

AlpheccaStars · Accepted Answer

In unstressed syllables, English speakers will pronounce any vowel with as a schwa sound. Here is an explanation and exercise:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/****/features/schwa/

If a stressed syllable ends in a vowel sound, it is the long vowel sound. (no-ti-fy)
If the syllable ends in a consonant sound, you will hear the short vowel sound.

CalifJim · Answer

maelstromThen how can I determine when to pronounce it as O instead of A?

You can't. Not every time. There is a rule called "The Second-Letter Rule". It goes like this:

If the second letter after a vowel letter is another vowel, the first vowel takes the "long" (or "tense") pronunciation; otherwise, it takes the "short" (or "lax") pronunciation.

In notify, you have n-oti-fy. The first letter after 'o' is 't'. The second letter after 'o' is 'i', which is a vowel. So 'o' is pronounced "tense" according to the second-letter rule. The rule works for these words:

note, notify, motivate, photograph, fatal, feline, final, finalize, cremate, dime, silo, halo, useful

The problem is that the rule doesn't always work, especially in longer words. It doesn't work for these:

botany, monotony, diameter, precious, special

Always consult a dictionary when in doubt.

CJ

The pronunciation of "nOtify"

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