How to pronounce element
Say it like EL-uh-munt. Element has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (EL).
- EL
- uh
- munt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Element pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ELSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- muntKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of element
American and British speakers say element in essentially the same way: /ˈɛləmənt/ in the US and /ˈɛlɪmənt/ in the UK.
British respelling: EL-ih-munt.
What does element mean?
- One of the simplest or essential parts or principles of which anything consists, or upon which the constitution or fundamental powers of anything are based.“Letters are the elements of written language.”
- Any one of the types of atom distinguished by having a certain number of protons in its nucleus.
- A chemical substance made entirely of one such type of atom; any one of the simplest chemical substances that cannot be decomposed in a chemical reaction or by any chemical means and made up of atoms all having the same number of protons.
Where does element come from?
The verb is from Middle English elementen, from the noun.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- member
- component
- constituent
- factor
- ingredient
- chemical element
Questions about saying element
How do you pronounce element?
Say EL-uh-munt. The American pronunciation is /ˈɛləmənt/. In British English it is /ˈɛlɪmənt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in element?
Element has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (EL). Broken into parts: EL · uh · munt.
Do Americans and Brits say element the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈɛləmənt/ and the British form is /ˈɛlɪmənt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.