How to pronounce blessing
Say it like BLES-ing. Blessing has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BLES).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce blessing. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- BLES
- ing
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Blessing pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- BLESSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- ingKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of blessing
American and British speakers say blessing in essentially the same way: /ˈblɛsɪŋ/ in the US and /ˈblɛsɪŋ/ in the UK.
British respelling: BLES-ing.
What does blessing mean?
- the formal act of approving“he gave the project his blessing”“his decision merited the approval of any sensible person”
- a desirable state“enjoy the blessings of peace”“a spanking breeze is a boon to sailors”
- a short prayer of thanks before a meal“their youngest son said grace”
Where does blessing come from?
From Middle English blessinge, blessynge, from Old English blētsung, blēdsung (“a blessing”), equivalent to bless + -ing.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with blessing
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of blessing.
Questions about saying blessing
How do you pronounce blessing?
Say BLES-ing. The American pronunciation is /ˈblɛsɪŋ/. In British English it is /ˈblɛsɪŋ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in blessing?
Blessing has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BLES). Broken into parts: BLES · ing.
Do Americans and Brits say blessing the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈblɛsɪŋ/ and the British form is /ˈblɛsɪŋ/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.