Zeitgeist is a German loanword that is commonly used in English to refer to the prevailing mood or spirit of a particular period in time. To accurately pronounce the word, it is important to remember that the "z" in this word is pronounced as a "ts" sound in German. British pronunciation: /ˈzaɪtɡaɪst/ (z-eye-t-g-ah-y-s-t) American pronunciation: /ˈzaɪtɡaɪst/ (z-eye-t-g-ah-y-s-t) To break down the pronunciation using the IPA symbols: - The first syllable, "zei" is pronounced as "z-eye" with the "z" being a voiced alveolar fricative sound /z/, the "e" being a close-mid front unrounded vowel /eɪ/, and the "i" being an close front unrounded vowel /aɪ/. - The second syllable, "t" is pronounced as a silent /t/, although it may be slightly aspirated for emphasis. - The third syllable, "geist" is pronounced as "g-ah-y-s-t" with the "g" being a voiced velar stop /g/, the "a" being an open front unrounded vowel /ah/, and the "y" being a near-close front unrounded vowel /y/. Remember to keep your mouth relaxed and end the word with a slight downward intonation to convey its meaning as a noun. With practice and attention to detail, you can confidently pronounce this word in both British and American English.

Zeitgeist (noun): the spirit or general trend of a particular period in time, as reflected in its culture, beliefs, and attitudes. Examples: 1. The 1920s are often referred to as the "Roaring Twenties," a decade that embodied the zeitgeist of prosperity and decadence. 2. The punk movement of the 1970s was a rebellion against the prevailing zeitgeist of conformity and consumerism. 3. The rise of social media has greatly influenced the zeitgeist of the modern era. 4. The film accurately captured the zeitgeist of the 1960s, showcasing the hippie counterculture and anti-war sentiment. 5. The fashion industry is constantly evolving to reflect the current zeitgeist, with new trends emerging each season.