How to pronounce consensus
Say it like kun-SEN-sus. Consensus has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SEN).
- kun
- SEN
- sus
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Consensus 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.
- SENSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- susKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of consensus
American and British speakers say consensus in essentially the same way: /kənˈsɛnsəs/ in the US and /kənˈsɛnsəs/ in the UK.
British respelling: kun-SEN-sus.
What does consensus mean?
- agreement in the judgment or opinion reached by a group as a whole“the lack of consensus reflected differences in theoretical positions”“those rights and obligations are based on an unstated consensus”
Where does consensus come from?
Borrowed from Latin cōnsēnsus (“agreement, accordance, unanimity”), from cōnsentiō (“feel together; agree”); see consent.
Words that rhyme with consensus
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of consensus.
Questions about saying consensus
How do you pronounce consensus?
Say kun-SEN-sus. The American pronunciation is /kənˈsɛnsəs/. In British English it is /kənˈsɛnsəs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in consensus?
Consensus has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SEN). Broken into parts: kun · SEN · sus.
Do Americans and Brits say consensus the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /kənˈsɛnsəs/ and the British form is /kənˈsɛnsəs/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.