How to pronounce acronym
Say it like AK-ruh-nim. Acronym has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce acronym. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- AK
- ruh
- nim
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Acronym pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- AKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- ruhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- nimKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of acronym
American and British speakers say acronym in essentially the same way: /ˈækrənɪm/ in the US and /ˈækrənɪm/ in the UK.
British respelling: AK-ruh-nim.
What does acronym mean?
- Generally such abbreviations, including those pronounced as individual letters (initialisms such as "TNT").
- Exclusively such abbreviations when pronounced as a word (as "laser" or "NATO").
- An abbreviation formed by the beginning letters or syllables of other words; this sense includes syllabic abbreviations such as Benelux and satnav.
- To form into an acronym.
Questions about saying acronym
How do you pronounce acronym?
Say AK-ruh-nim. The American pronunciation is /ˈækrənɪm/. In British English it is /ˈækrənɪm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in acronym?
Acronym has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AK). Broken into parts: AK · ruh · nim.
Do Americans and Brits say acronym the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈækrənɪm/ and the British form is /ˈækrənɪm/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.