How to pronounce conclave
Say it like KAHN-klayv. Conclave has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAHN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce conclave. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KAHN
- klayv
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Conclave pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KAHNSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- klayvGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of conclave
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: KON-klayv.
What does conclave mean?
- The set of apartments in which cardinals are secluded while the process to elect a pope takes place.
- A group of cardinals assembled to elect a new pope.
- The cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church collectively.
- To participate in a closed, private, or secret meeting.
- Of a cardinal: to attend a closed assembly to elect a pope.
Where does conclave come from?
The verb is derived from the noun.
Words that rhyme with conclave
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of conclave.
Questions about saying conclave
How do you pronounce conclave?
Say KAHN-klayv. The American pronunciation is /ˈkɑnˌkleɪv/. In British English it is /ˈkɒnkleɪv/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in conclave?
Conclave has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAHN). Broken into parts: KAHN · klayv.
Is conclave pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /ˈkɒnkleɪv/ (KON-klayv).