Choose the word with the same vowel sound as the one in bracket Orthop[ae]dic

Analyze the question: You are asked to find the word whose vowel sound matches the sound of "ae" in orthopaedic.

Explain the concept: In orthopaedic /ˌɔːθəˈpiːdɪk/, the letters "ae" are pronounced as the long vowel /iː/ (as in "see"). So we need a word with a vowel sound of /iː/ in the position given.

Solution: Let's check each option:

• A. elite /eɪˈliːt/ or /ɪˈliːt/. The stressed vowel "i" is pronounced /iː/. This matches.
• B. impasse /ˈæmpɑːs/ or /ˈɪmpɑːs/. The vowel sounds are /æ/ or /ɪ/ and /ɑː/. No /iː/.
• C. cacophony /kəˈkɒfəni/. The vowels are /ə/, /ɒ/, /ə/ and a short /i/. No long /iː/.
• D. sharp /ʃɑːp/. The vowel is /ɑː/. No match.

Answer: The only word with the /iː/ sound is elite, which is option A.

Tip: In vowel-sound questions, first write out the sound of the bracketed letters (here /iː/, "ee"). Then say each option aloud and eliminate those that clearly differ. Remember that "ae" in words from Greek, such as paediatric, orthopaedic and encyclopaedia, usually gives /iː/.