How to pronounce beneficiary
Say it like ben-uh-FISH-ee-er-ee. Beneficiary has six syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (FISH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce beneficiary. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ben
- uh
- FISH
- ee
- er
- ee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Beneficiary 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.
- FISHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- eeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- erGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- eeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of beneficiary
- American English uses 6 syllables and British English 5.
British respelling: ben-ih-FISH-uh-ree.
What does beneficiary mean?
- One who benefits or receives an advantage.“You are the lucky beneficiary of this special offer.”
- One who benefits from the distribution, especially out of a trust or estate.
- One who benefits from the payout of an insurance policy.
- Holding some office or valuable possession, in subordination to another; holding under a feudal or other superior; having a dependent and secondary possession.
- Bestowed as a gratuity.“beneficiary gifts”
Where does beneficiary come from?
From Latin beneficiarius (“enjoying a favor, granted a privilege”) from beneficium (“benefit”), perhaps via or influenced by French bénéficiaire (“beneficiary”).
Words that rhyme with beneficiary
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of beneficiary.
Questions about saying beneficiary
How do you pronounce beneficiary?
Say ben-uh-FISH-ee-er-ee. The American pronunciation is /ˌbɛnəˈfɪʃiˌɛri/. In British English it is /ˌbɛnɪˈfɪʃəri/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in beneficiary?
Beneficiary has six syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (FISH). Broken into parts: ben · uh · FISH · ee · er · ee.
Is beneficiary pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. American English uses 6 syllables and British English 5. The British form is /ˌbɛnɪˈfɪʃəri/ (ben-ih-FISH-uh-ree).