How to pronounce benign
Say it like bih-NYNE. Benign has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (NYNE).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce benign. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- bih
- NYNE
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Benign pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- bihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- NYNESay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in time.
American vs British pronunciation of benign
American and British speakers say benign in essentially the same way: /bɪˈnaɪn/ in the US and /bɪˈnaɪn/ in the UK.
British respelling: bih-NYNE.
What does benign mean?
- not dangerous to health; not recurrent or progressive (especially of a tumor)
- pleasant and beneficial in nature or influence“a benign smile”“the benign sky”
- kindness of disposition or manner“the benign ruler of millions”“benign intentions”
Where does benign come from?
From Middle English benigne, benygne, from Old French benigne, from Latin benignus (“kind, good”), from bene (“well”) + genus (“origin, kind”).
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with benign
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of benign.
Questions about saying benign
How do you pronounce benign?
Say bih-NYNE. The American pronunciation is /bɪˈnaɪn/. In British English it is /bɪˈnaɪn/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in benign?
Benign has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (NYNE). Broken into parts: bih · NYNE.
Do Americans and Brits say benign the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /bɪˈnaɪn/ and the British form is /bɪˈnaɪn/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.