How to pronounce benediction
Say it like ben-uh-DIK-shun. Benediction has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (DIK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce benediction. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ben
- uh
- DIK
- shun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Benediction pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- benGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- DIKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- shunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of benediction
American and British speakers say benediction in essentially the same way: /ˌbɛnəˈdɪkʃən/ in the US and /ˌbɛnəˈdɪkʃən/ in the UK.
British respelling: ben-uh-DIK-shun.
What does benediction mean?
- A short invocation for help, blessing and guidance from God, said on behalf of another person or persons (sometimes at the end of a church worship service).“to pronounce / give / say the benediction”
- In the Anglican church, the ceremony used to institute an abbot, analogous to the consecration of a bishop.
- A Roman Catholic rite by which bells, banners, candles, etc., are blessed with holy water and formally dedicated to God.
Where does benediction come from?
From Middle English benediccion, from Ecclesiastical Latin benedictio, benedictionis, from benedictus (“blessed; well spoken of”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with benediction
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of benediction.
Questions about saying benediction
How do you pronounce benediction?
Say ben-uh-DIK-shun. The American pronunciation is /ˌbɛnəˈdɪkʃən/. In British English it is /ˌbɛnəˈdɪkʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in benediction?
Benediction has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (DIK). Broken into parts: ben · uh · DIK · shun.
Do Americans and Brits say benediction the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌbɛnəˈdɪkʃən/ and the British form is /ˌbɛnəˈdɪkʃən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.