pronunciation - First or second syllable accent for "detail"?


I used to pronounce 'detail' as ['di:teil] with accent on the first syllable. However, these days I hear people (and on the radio) say [di'teil] with accent on the second syllable. Is my pronunciation incorrect? Is there a regional preference for this?



Answer



According to Merriam-Webster, your pronunciation is fine as both are acceptable to convey the usual noun and verb form meanings of the word.


According to this American, /ˈdiːteɪl/ is far more common from the mouths of my fellow Americans.


Macmillan has the British as /ˈdiːteɪl/, and the American as both /dɪˈteɪl/ and /ˈdiˌteɪl/.


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