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Consonant Contrast

How to Pronounce path vs pass

Key Pronunciation Contrast

‘Path’ ends with dental ⁄θ⁄ (⁄pæθ⁄ or ⁄pɑːθ⁄); ‘pass’ ends with alveolar /s/ (⁄pæs⁄ or ⁄pɑːs⁄).

Contrast: Final consonant: ⁄θ⁄ vs /s/

path

⁄pæθ⁄

Syllables

PATH

Definition:

A trail for the use of, or worn by, pedestrians.

“Yet ere to to-morrow's ſun ſhall ſhew his head, / The dewy paths of meadows we will tread, / For crowns and chaplets to adorn thy head.”

pass

⁄pɑːs⁄

Syllables

PASS

Definition:

To change place.

“They passed from room to room.”

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Frequently Asked Questions: path vs pass

What is the difference in pronunciation between "path" and "pass"?

‘Path’ ends with dental ⁄θ⁄ (⁄pæθ⁄ or ⁄pɑːθ⁄); ‘pass’ ends with alveolar /s/ (⁄pæs⁄ or ⁄pɑːs⁄).

Where does the syllable stress fall in "path" vs "pass"?

"path" has 1 syllable(s) (path) with stress on "PATH". "pass" has 1 syllable(s) (pass) with stress on "PASS".

Why do English learners often confuse "path" and "pass"?

Learners frequently confuse them due to the close sound contrast: Final consonant: ⁄θ⁄ vs /s/. In rapid spoken English, context and vowel duration are the primary differentiators.

What are example sentences for "path" and "pass"?

Example for "path": "Yet ere to to-morrow's ſun ſhall ſhew his head, / The dewy paths of meadows we will tread, / For crowns and chaplets to adorn thy head." Example for "pass": "They passed from room to room."