So you want a salary increase? Who doesn't? But do you pronounce 'increase' with the stress on the first syllable in, or the second syllable crease? The answer depends on whether you're using increase as a noun or a verb... And that's the subject that Neil and Catherine are talking about in this 6 Minute Vocabulary programme.
Vocabulary
Stressed syllable in CAPITALS
a DEcrease (noun)
amount by which something becomes smaller in size or number
The rise in tuition fees has led to a DEcrease in the number of students applying to our courses.
to deCREASE (verb)
make the amount or number of something smaller
We hope that by introducing trams, we can deCREASE the level of pollution in the city centre.
an INcrease (noun)
amount by which something becomes bigger in size or number
There has been a big INcrease in the number of young unemployed people in many European countries in the last few years
to inCREASE (verb)
make the amount or number of something bigger
After putting the rice in the water, inCREASE the temperature until the water starts to boil.
an INvite (noun)
invitation, written or spoken, to go somewhere
I’m sorry I can’t come for a drink with you tomorrow night, but thanks for the INvite anyway!
to inVITE (verb)
ask someone to go somewhere
How many people did you inVITE for dinner? We’ve only got six chairs!
a PREsent (noun)
something you give to someone on a special occasion like a birthday or wedding
The best PREsent was my new mobile. I couldn’t believe it when I unwrapped it!
to preSENT (verb)
show, give or introduce
The Queen is going to preSENT the medals to the winners.
a REcord (noun)
the best ever done, often in sport; music or song you can buy on a CD or download
The Guinness Book of Records has some fascinating REcords, like how far a dog can ride a scooter!
to reCORD (verb)
store sounds, music or information so they can be used later
A good way to practise speaking English is to reCORD your voice on your phone and listen to yourself.