Listeners rely on stress to identify words in a stream of speech. For example, if you say "a-RA-bic" instead of the correct "-a-bic," a listener might hear "a rabbit". The Top 101 - The Syllable Stress Survival Guide
When learning a new word, don't just memorize the spelling. Use your hand to "tap out" the rhythm on a table. The loudest tap is your stressed syllable!
: An abridged version covering the most common mispronunciations in English.