Here's a breakdown:
* Stressed vowels are pronounced with more force and clarity, making them longer and louder. They are often the vowel sound that carries the most emphasis in a word.
* Unstressed vowels are pronounced with less force and clarity, making them shorter and quieter. They often have a weaker, less defined sound.
Examples:
* "about": The vowel in "a" is stressed, while the vowel in "bout" is unstressed.
* "father": The vowel in "fa" is stressed, while the vowel in "ther" is unstressed.
* "delicious": The vowel in "li" is stressed, while the vowels in "de" and "cious" are unstressed.
Characteristics of unstressed vowels:
* Reduced vowel sounds: Unstressed vowels often have a reduced sound, typically becoming a schwa sound (ə) or a similar short vowel sound.
* Weak pronunciation: They are pronounced with less force and clarity.
* Short duration: They are typically shorter in duration than stressed vowels.
Importance of unstressed vowels:
* Understanding pronunciation: Recognizing unstressed vowels is crucial for understanding how words are pronounced.
* Recognizing word patterns: Unstressed vowels often follow predictable patterns in English, which can help with spelling and pronunciation.
* Natural flow of speech: Unstressed vowels contribute to the natural rhythm and flow of spoken English.
Note: The exact sound of an unstressed vowel can vary depending on the surrounding sounds and the speaker's accent.