How to pronounce censure
Say it like SEN-sher. Censure has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SEN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce censure. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SEN
- sher
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Censure pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SENSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- sherKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of censure
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: SEN-shuh.
What does censure mean?
- The act of blaming, criticizing, or condemning as wrong; reprehension.
- Official reprimand.
- A judicial or ecclesiastical sentence or reprimand; condemnatory judgment.
- To criticize harshly.
- To formally rebuke.
Where does censure come from?
From 1350–1400 Middle English censure, from Old French, from Latin censūra (“censor's office or assessment”), from censēre (“to consider, to assess, to value, to judge, to tax, etc.”).
Questions about saying censure
How do you pronounce censure?
Say SEN-sher. The American pronunciation is /ˈsɛnʃɚ/. In British English it is /ˈsɛnʃə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in censure?
Censure has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SEN). Broken into parts: SEN · sher.
Is censure pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈsɛnʃə/ (SEN-shuh).