How to pronounce duodecennial
Say it like doo-oh-dih-SEN-ee-ul. Duodecennial has six syllables, and the main stress falls on the fourth one (SEN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce duodecennial. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- doo
- oh
- dih
- SEN
- ee
- ul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Duodecennial pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- dooGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "oo" in food.
- ohKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "o" in go.
- dihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- SENSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- eeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- ulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of duodecennial
- American English uses 6 syllables and British English 5.
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
- British speakers add a light "y" sound before the "oo" (as in "tyoon" for tune).
British respelling: dyoo-oh-dih-SEN-eerl.
What does duodecennial mean?
- Consisting of twelve years, occurring in 12-year cycles.“The duodecennial Chinese zodiac originated from Chinese and Indian observations of the duodecennial cycle of the Jovian orbit.”
- Occurring once a duodecade, occurring every 12 years.“The concept of a duodecennial "Jupiter return" in Western astrology arose from similar concerns.”
Where does duodecennial come from?
From Latin duodecennium (“12-year period”) + English -al (“forming adjs”), equivalent to borrowing the unattested duodecennialis.
Words that rhyme with duodecennial
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of duodecennial.
Questions about saying duodecennial
How do you pronounce duodecennial?
Say doo-oh-dih-SEN-ee-ul. The American pronunciation is /ˌduoʊdɪˈsɛniəl/. In British English it is /ˌdjuːəʊdɪˈsɛnɪəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in duodecennial?
Duodecennial has six syllables, and the main stress falls on the fourth one (SEN). Broken into parts: doo · oh · dih · SEN · ee · ul.
Is duodecennial pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. American English uses 6 syllables and British English 5. The British form is /ˌdjuːəʊdɪˈsɛnɪəl/ (dyoo-oh-dih-SEN-eerl).