How to pronounce condemn
Say it like kun-DEM. Condemn has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (DEM).
- kun
- DEM
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Tip: The n is silent at the end, so it rhymes with gem. You hear the n in condemnation.
Condemn pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- kunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- DEMSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
American vs British pronunciation of condemn
American and British speakers say condemn in essentially the same way: /kənˈdɛm/ in the US and /kənˈdɛm/ in the UK.
British respelling: kun-DEM.
What does condemn mean?
- To strongly criticise or denounce; to excoriate.“The president condemned the terrorists.”
- To judicially pronounce (someone) guilty.
- To judicially announce a verdict upon a finding of guilt; To sentence“The judge condemned him to death.”
Where does condemn come from?
From Middle English condempnen, from Old French condamner, from Latin condemnāre (“to sentence, condemn, blame”), from com- + damnāre (“to harm, condemn, damn”), from damnum (“damage, injury, loss”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with condemn
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of condemn.
Questions about saying condemn
How do you pronounce condemn?
Say kun-DEM. The American pronunciation is /kənˈdɛm/. In British English it is /kənˈdɛm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in condemn?
Condemn has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (DEM). Broken into parts: kun · DEM.
Do Americans and Brits say condemn the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /kənˈdɛm/ and the British form is /kənˈdɛm/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.