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Consonant Contrast

How to Pronounce clothe vs close

Key Pronunciation Contrast

‘Clothe’ ends with voiced dental ⁄ð⁄ (⁄kloʊð⁄); ‘close’ (verb) ends with voiced alveolar /z/ (⁄kloʊz⁄).

Contrast: Voiced dental ⁄ð⁄ vs voiced alveolar /z/

clothe

⁄kləʊð⁄

Syllables

CLOTHE

Definition:

To adorn or cover with clothing; to dress; to supply clothes or clothing.

“to feed and clothe a family; to clothe oneself extravagantly”

close

⁄kləʊz⁄

Syllables

CLOSE

Definition:

To remove or block an opening, gap or passage through.

“Close the door behind you when you leave.”

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Frequently Asked Questions: clothe vs close

What is the difference in pronunciation between "clothe" and "close"?

‘Clothe’ ends with voiced dental ⁄ð⁄ (⁄kloʊð⁄); ‘close’ (verb) ends with voiced alveolar /z/ (⁄kloʊz⁄).

Where does the syllable stress fall in "clothe" vs "close"?

"clothe" has 1 syllable(s) (clothe) with stress on "CLOTHE". "close" has 1 syllable(s) (close) with stress on "CLOSE".

Why do English learners often confuse "clothe" and "close"?

Learners frequently confuse them due to the close sound contrast: Voiced dental ⁄ð⁄ vs voiced alveolar /z/. In rapid spoken English, context and vowel duration are the primary differentiators.

What are example sentences for "clothe" and "close"?

Example for "clothe": "to feed and clothe a family; to clothe oneself extravagantly" Example for "close": "Close the door behind you when you leave."