Consonant Contrast
How to Pronounce wail vs veil
Key Pronunciation Contrast
‘Veil’ (⁄veɪl⁄) uses /v/; ‘wail’ (⁄weɪl⁄) uses /w/.
Contrast: /v/ vs /w/
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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.”
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Frequently Asked Questions: wail vs veil
What is the difference in pronunciation between "wail" and "veil"?
‘Veil’ (⁄veɪl⁄) uses /v/; ‘wail’ (⁄weɪl⁄) uses /w/.
Where does the syllable stress fall in "wail" vs "veil"?
"wail" has 1 syllable(s) (wail) with stress on "WAIL". "veil" has 1 syllable(s) (veil) with stress on "VEIL".
Why do English learners often confuse "wail" and "veil"?
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 "wail" and "veil"?
Example for "wail": "The anguish, the grief, the wail, the pain, the onslaught of emotions you can't begin to explain. They hit, they" Example for "veil": "The veil of the temple was rent in twain."