How to pronounce elemental
Say it like el-uh-MEN-tul. Elemental has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (MEN).
- el
- uh
- MEN
- tul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Elemental pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- elGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- MENSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- tulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of elemental
American and British speakers say elemental in essentially the same way: /ˌɛləˈmɛntəl/ in the US and /ˌɛləˈmɛntəl/ in the UK.
British respelling: el-uh-MEN-tul.
What does elemental mean?
- Of, relating to, or being an element (as opposed to a compound).
- Basic, fundamental or elementary.
- Of the ancient supposed elements of earth, air, fire and water.
- A creature (usually a spirit) that is attuned with, or composed of, one of the classical elements: air, earth, fire and water or variations of them like ice, lightning, etc. They sometimes have unique proper names and sometimes are referred to as Air, Earth, Fire, or Water.
Where does elemental come from?
From Middle English elementall, from Medieval Latin elementālis; compare Old French elementel.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with elemental
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of elemental.
- environmental
- fundamental
- experimental
- gentle
- dental
- rental
- continental
- instrumental
- accidental
- developmental
Questions about saying elemental
How do you pronounce elemental?
Say el-uh-MEN-tul. The American pronunciation is /ˌɛləˈmɛntəl/. In British English it is /ˌɛləˈmɛntəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in elemental?
Elemental has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (MEN). Broken into parts: el · uh · MEN · tul.
Do Americans and Brits say elemental the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌɛləˈmɛntəl/ and the British form is /ˌɛləˈmɛntəl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.