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How to pronounce consequence

Say it like KON-suh-kwuns. Consequence has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KON).

VoiceSpeed
US American/ˈkɑnsəkwəns/KON-suh-kwuns
UK British/ˈkɒnsɪkwəns/KON-sih-kwuns
  • KON
  • suh
  • kwuns
  • Main stress
  • Lighter stress
  • Unstressed

Consequence pronunciation, sound by sound

Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.

  1. KONSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
  2. suhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
  3. kwunsKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.

American vs British pronunciation of consequence

  • The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.

British respelling: KON-sih-kwuns.

What does consequence mean?

noun
  1. An effect; something that follows a cause as a result.
  2. An unwanted or unpleasant effect.“I'm warning you. If you don't get me the report on time, there will be consequences.”
  3. consecution; chain of causes and effects.
verb
  1. To threaten or punish (a child, etc.) with specific consequences for misbehaviour.

Where does consequence come from?

From Middle English consequence, from Old French consequence, from Latin consequentia.

Similar and opposite words

Similar meaning

Opposite meaning

  • inconsequence

Questions about saying consequence

How do you pronounce consequence?

Say KON-suh-kwuns. The American pronunciation is /ˈkɑnsəkwəns/. In British English it is /ˈkɒnsɪkwəns/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.

How many syllables are in consequence?

Consequence has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KON). Broken into parts: KON · suh · kwuns.

Is consequence 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 /ˈkɒnsɪkwəns/ (KON-sih-kwuns).

Pronunciation from CMUdict and Britfone; meaning and origin adapted from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0).