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Pronunciation Comparison
🔊 Homophones: 100% Identical Pronunciation (⁄nuː⁄)

How to Pronounce knew vs new

Key Pronunciation Contrast

"knew" and "new" are exact English homophones with 100% identical phonetic pronunciation (⁄nuː⁄). They share the exact same sound from start to finish but differ in spelling, origin, and meaning.

Word 1Full word page➔

knew

⁄nuː⁄

Syllables

KNEW

Definition:

To perceive the truth or factuality of; to be certain of; to be certain that.

“Question things. I have the most fun when I'm writing questioning things that people do not question- the assumptions that everybody knows are true.”
Word 2Full word page➔

new

⁄nuː⁄

Syllables

NEW

Definition:

Recently made, or created.

“This is a new scratch on my car! The band just released a new album.”

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Frequently Asked Questions: knew vs new

What is the difference in pronunciation between "knew" and "new"?

"knew" and "new" are exact English homophones with 100% identical phonetic pronunciation (⁄nuː⁄). They share the exact same sound from start to finish but differ in spelling, origin, and meaning.

Where does the syllable stress fall in "knew" vs "new"?

"knew" has 1 syllable(s) (knew) with stress on "KNEW". "new" has 1 syllable(s) (new) with stress on "NEW".

Why do English learners often confuse "knew" and "new"?

These words share similar consonant frameworks and vowel lengths, making them difficult for non-native speakers to distinguish without back-to-back ear training.

What are example sentences for "knew" and "new"?

Example for "knew": "Question things. I have the most fun when I'm writing questioning things that people do not question- the assumptions that everybody knows are true." Example for "new": "This is a new scratch on my car! The band just released a new album."