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Consonant Contrast

How to Pronounce vet vs wet

Key Pronunciation Contrast

‘Vet’ starts with the labiodental fricative /v/ (teeth touching bottom lip); ‘wet’ begins with the labiovelar glide /w/ (rounded lips).

Contrast: Labiodental /v/ vs bilabial glide /w/

vet

⁄vɛt⁄

Syllables

VET

Definition:

A veterinarian or veterinary surgeon.

“Colin Cameron, a vet who examined the dead animal, said there was "no doubt the kitten would have suffered unnecessarily" before dying.”

wet

⁄wɛt⁄

Syllables

WET

Definition:

Made up of liquid or moisture, usually (but not always) water.

“Water is wet.”

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Frequently Asked Questions: vet vs wet

What is the difference in pronunciation between "vet" and "wet"?

‘Vet’ starts with the labiodental fricative /v/ (teeth touching bottom lip); ‘wet’ begins with the labiovelar glide /w/ (rounded lips).

Where does the syllable stress fall in "vet" vs "wet"?

"vet" has 1 syllable(s) (vet) with stress on "VET". "wet" has 1 syllable(s) (wet) with stress on "WET".

Why do English learners often confuse "vet" and "wet"?

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

What are example sentences for "vet" and "wet"?

Example for "vet": "Colin Cameron, a vet who examined the dead animal, said there was "no doubt the kitten would have suffered unnecessarily" before dying." Example for "wet": "Water is wet."