Consonant Contrast

How to Pronounce veil vs wail

Key Pronunciation Contrast

‘Veil’ (⁄veɪl⁄) uses /v/; ‘wail’ (⁄weɪl⁄) uses /w/.

Contrast: /v/ vs /w/

Word 1Full word page➔

veil

⁄veɪl⁄

Syllables

VEIL

Definition:

Something hung up or spread out to hide or protect the face, or hide an object from view; usually of gauze, crepe, or similar diaphanous material.

“The veil of the temple was rent in twain.”

Word 2Full word page➔

wail

⁄weɪl⁄

Syllables

WAIL

Definition:

To cry out, as in sorrow or anguish.

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IPA: ⁄veɪl⁄

Frequently Asked Questions: veil vs wail

What is the difference in pronunciation between "veil" and "wail"?

‘Veil’ (⁄veɪl⁄) uses /v/; ‘wail’ (⁄weɪl⁄) uses /w/.

Where does the syllable stress fall in "veil" vs "wail"?

"veil" has 1 syllable(s) (veil) with stress on "VEIL". "wail" has 1 syllable(s) (wail) with stress on "WAIL".

Why do English learners often confuse "veil" and "wail"?

Learners frequently confuse them due to the close sound contrast: /v/ vs /w/. In rapid spoken English, context and vowel duration are the primary differentiators.

What are example sentences for "veil" and "wail"?

Example for "veil": "The veil of the temple was rent in twain." Example for "wail": "The anguish, the grief, the wail, the pain, the onslaught of emotions you can't begin to explain. They hit, they"