How to pronounce consumption
Say it like kun-SUHMP-shun. Consumption has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SUHMP).
- kun
- SUHMP
- shun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Consumption 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.
- SUHMPSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- shunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of consumption
American and British speakers say consumption in essentially the same way: /kənˈsʌmpʃən/ in the US and /kənˈsʌmpʃən/ in the UK.
British respelling: kun-SUHMP-shun.
What does consumption mean?
- The act of eating, drinking or using.“The consumption of snails as food is more common in France than in England.”
- The amount consumed.“gross national consumption”
- The act of consuming or destroying.“The fire's consumption of the forest caused ecological changes.”
Where does consumption come from?
From con- + Latin sūmptus + -ion, from Middle English consumpcioun, from Old French consumpcion, from Latin cōnsūmptiō, from cōnsūmō + -tiō, from con- (“with, together”) + sūmō (“take; consume”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with consumption
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of consumption.
Questions about saying consumption
How do you pronounce consumption?
Say kun-SUHMP-shun. The American pronunciation is /kənˈsʌmpʃən/. In British English it is /kənˈsʌmpʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in consumption?
Consumption has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SUHMP). Broken into parts: kun · SUHMP · shun.
Do Americans and Brits say consumption the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /kənˈsʌmpʃən/ and the British form is /kənˈsʌmpʃən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.