How to pronounce animation
Say it like an-uh-MAY-shun. Animation has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (MAY).
- an
- uh
- MAY
- shun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Animation pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- anGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- MAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- shunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of animation
American and British speakers say animation in essentially the same way: /ˌænəˈmeɪʃən/ in the US and /ˌænɪˈmeɪʃən/ in the UK.
British respelling: an-ih-MAY-shun.
What does animation mean?
- The act of animating, or giving life or spirit.
- A sequence of still drawings or inanimate objects displayed in rapid succession to create the illusion of movement in motion pictures or computer graphics; the object (film, computer game, etc.) produced
- The state of being lively, brisk, or full of spirit and vigor; vivacity; spiritedness“He recited the story with great animation.”
Where does animation come from?
Learned borrowing from Latin animatiō, from animō, equivalent to animate + -ion.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- vitalization
- vivification
- enlivenment
- airiness
- ardor
- buoyancy
- earnestness
- animacy
Words that rhyme with animation
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of animation.
Questions about saying animation
How do you pronounce animation?
Say an-uh-MAY-shun. The American pronunciation is /ˌænəˈmeɪʃən/. In British English it is /ˌænɪˈmeɪʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in animation?
Animation has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (MAY). Broken into parts: an · uh · MAY · shun.
Do Americans and Brits say animation the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌænəˈmeɪʃən/ and the British form is /ˌænɪˈmeɪʃən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.