How to pronounce action
Say it like AK-shun. Action has two 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 action. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- AK
- shun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Action 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.
- shunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of action
American and British speakers say action in essentially the same way: /ˈækʃən/ in the US and /ˈækʃən/ in the UK.
British respelling: AK-shun.
What does action mean?
- something done (usually as opposed to something said)“there were stories of murders and other unnatural actions”
- the state of being active“his sphere of activity”“he is out of action”
- a military engagement“he saw action in Korea”
- institute legal proceedings against; file a suit against“He was warned that the district attorney would process him”“She actioned the company for discrimination”
- put in effect“carry out a task”“execute the decision of the people”
Where does action come from?
From Middle English accioun, accion, from Old French aucion, acciun, from Latin āctiō(n) (“act of doing or making”), from āct(us) + action suffix -iō(n), perfect passive participle of agere (“do, act”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *h₂éǵeti.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying action
How do you pronounce action?
Say AK-shun. The American pronunciation is /ˈækʃən/. In British English it is /ˈækʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in action?
Action has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AK). Broken into parts: AK · shun.
Do Americans and Brits say action the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈækʃən/ and the British form is /ˈækʃən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.