leak and leek are homophones, both pronounced /liːk/ with the long /iː/ vowel as in 'see'. The spellings differ but the sound is the same. The pair to be careful with is 'leak' versus 'lick' (/lɪk/), where the long /iː/ shortens to /ɪ/. A 'memory leak' must keep the long, tense vowel; if it shortens it sounds wrong. Stretch the vowel and smile slightly to get a clean /iː/, keeping the tongue high and to the front.
2 / 5
Which word contains the /ɑː/ "ar" vowel: "hash" or "harsh"?
harsh contains the long /ɑːr/ vowel, /hɑːrʃ/, while hash uses the short flat /æ/ vowel, /hæʃ/. The difference is vowel length and the presence of the 'r'. Developers say 'hash' constantly for hash maps and hash functions, so do not let it drift toward 'harsh'. Keep 'hash' short and bright with the 'a' as in 'cat'. For 'harsh', open the mouth wider and add the r-colour. Both end in the /ʃ/ 'sh' sound, so only the vowel separates them.
3 / 5
How should "thread" begin compared with "tread"?
thread starts with the voiceless 'th' /θ/ made between the teeth, /θrɛd/, while tread starts with a plain /t/, /trɛd/. Learners who substitute /t/ for /θ/ make 'thread' sound like 'tread'. In concurrency you discuss 'threads' all day, so place the tongue tip lightly between the teeth and release air for the 'th'. Both words share the same /rɛd/ ending, so the only signal is that initial consonant. Practise 'thread, tread, thread' to feel the contrast.
4 / 5
How do "cache" and "cash" sound?
cache is pronounced exactly like cash, /kæʃ/, a single syllable with the short /æ/ vowel and a final 'sh'. It is not 'ca-SHAY'; that two-syllable version is the unrelated French word 'cachet'. This is one of the most common mispronunciations in tech. When you 'clear the cache' it should sound like 'clear the cash'. Keep it short, flat, and one beat. Anchor it in your memory next to the word 'cash' and you will never overcomplicate it again.
5 / 5
Which pair is NOT a true minimal pair in standard pronunciation?
cache / cash are homophones, not a minimal pair, because they share an identical sound /kæʃ/; a minimal pair must differ in exactly one sound. The same is true of 'leak / leek'. By contrast 'hash / harsh' differ in the vowel, and 'thread / tread' differ in the first consonant, so those are genuine minimal pairs. Recognising homophones versus minimal pairs sharpens your ear: with homophones you rely on context, while with minimal pairs you must pronounce one distinguishing sound clearly to avoid confusion.