How to pronounce central
Say it like SEN-trul. Central has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SEN).
- SEN
- trul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Central 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.
- trulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of central
American and British speakers say central in essentially the same way: /ˈsɛntrəl/ in the US and /ˈsɛntrəl/ in the UK.
British respelling: SEN-trul.
What does central mean?
- Being in the centre.
- Having or containing the centre of something.
- Being very important, or key to something.
- center
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with central
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of central.
Questions about saying central
How do you pronounce central?
Say SEN-trul. The American pronunciation is /ˈsɛntrəl/. In British English it is /ˈsɛntrəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in central?
Central has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SEN). Broken into parts: SEN · trul.
Do Americans and Brits say central the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈsɛntrəl/ and the British form is /ˈsɛntrəl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.