How to pronounce circumstantial
Say it like sur-kum-STAN-shul. Circumstantial has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (STAN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce circumstantial. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- sur
- kum
- STAN
- shul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Circumstantial pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- surGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- kumKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- STANSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- shulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of circumstantial
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: suh-kum-STAN-shul.
What does circumstantial mean?
- Pertaining to or dependent on circumstances, especially as opposed to essentials; incidental, not essential.
- Involving evidence that relies on inference to connect it to a conclusion of fact, thus, suggesting guilt but not directly proving it.“It is unlikely he will be convicted; the evidence against him is circumstantial at best.”
- Abounding with minor circumstances; in great detail; particular.
- Something incidental to the main subject, but of less importance.“the circumstantials of religion”
- An adjunct or circumstant.
Where does circumstantial come from?
From Latin circumstantia + English -al, equivalent to circumstance + -ial.
Words that rhyme with circumstantial
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of circumstantial.
Questions about saying circumstantial
How do you pronounce circumstantial?
Say sur-kum-STAN-shul. The American pronunciation is /ˌsɝkəmˈstænʃəl/. In British English it is /səkəmˈstænʃəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in circumstantial?
Circumstantial has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (STAN). Broken into parts: sur · kum · STAN · shul.
Is circumstantial 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 /səkəmˈstænʃəl/ (suh-kum-STAN-shul).