14 common words that you're probably mispronouncing

• No matter how fluent you are, there are still some words in the English language that stump us when it comes to pronounciation.
• We put together a list of words that people tend to say or read incorrectly.
• From "banal" to "ask," here is the correct way to pronounce 14 common words.

National Dictionary Day is observed annually in the US on October 16.

Created to honor Noah Webster, the "Father of the American Dictionary," the day celebrates the importance of language, learning, and vocabulary.

In honor of this year's National Dictionary Day, INSIDER put together a list of words that people tend to say or read incorrectly. From "banal" to "ask," here are 14 commonly mispronounced words, along with the correct way to pronounce them.

1. Colonel (noun): An army officer of high rank 

It might not be spelled with an "R," but the word "colonel" is pronounced the same way as a "kernel" of popcorn.

2. Banal (adjective): Lacking in originality; trite

The word "banal" is commonly mispronounced as "BAY-nul," with the emphasis on the first syllable. However, the correct pronunciation is "buh-NAL," with the emphasis on the second syllable.

3. Jewelry (noun): Objects of precious metal or stones that are worn

If you pronounce "jewelry" as "jool-uh-ree," you're adding one syllable too many. The correct pronunciation is "JOOL-ree."

4. Often (adverb): Many times; frequently

Despite what you may think, the "T" in "often" is silent. Thus, the correct way to pronounce the word is not "off-ten," but rather "off-en."

5. Regardless (adverb): In spite of; nevertheless

People often use the word "irregardless" when they mean to say "regardless." However, most dictionaries recognize this as a nonstandard or incorrect combination of the words "irrespective" and "regardless."

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6. Escape (verb): To get away; break away from

The word "escape" is pronounced exactly how it's spelled — "es-cape" — but many tend to mispronounce it as "ex-cape."

7. Prescription (noun): A written direction for treatment; an authoritative recommendation

The initial syllable of this word is not pronounced "per" or "pro." Instead, the correct way to pronounce "prescription" is "pre-SCRIP-shun," with the "R" sound immediately following the first letter.

8. Sherbet (noun): A frozen dessert made from fruit juice, water, and sugar

"Sherbet" is commonly misspelled, and therefore mispronounced, as "sherbert." The correct way to pronounce the sweet treat's name? "Sher-bet."

9. Almond (noun): The edible oval nut of the deciduous tree, Prunus dulcis

The "L" in "almond" is silent, so the correct way to pronounce the word is "AH-mund."

10. Salmon (noun): A large anadromous salmonid fish of the North Atlantic

The word "salmon" also has a silent "L." Pronounce the word as "SAM-un," not "SAL-mun."

11. Athlete (noun): A person who is trained or skilled in exercises or sports

As with "jewelry," people tend to add an extra syllable to "athlete." The correct pronunciation of the word is "ATH-leet," not "ath-uh-leet."

12. Regime (noun): A government, especially an authoritarian one

The first syllable in "regime" is not pronounced "ri" or "ruh." To pronounce the word correctly, say, "RAY-zheem."

13. Mischievous (adjective): Able or tending to cause annoyance or trouble

"Mischievous" is commonly misspelled as "mischievious," with an extra "I" at the end. That might explain why people often mispronounce the word as "mis-CHEEV-ee-ous," instead of "MIS-chiv-ous."

14. Ask (verb): To question; to make a request of; to call for

Like "escape," this word is pronounced with an "S" sound, not an "X" sound. Basically, try not to pronounce "ask" as "ax."

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