How to pronounce eligible
Say it like EL-uh-juh-bul. Eligible has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (EL).
- EL
- uh
- juh
- bul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Eligible 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.
- juhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- bulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of eligible
American and British speakers say eligible in essentially the same way: /ˈɛlədʒəbəl/ in the US and /ˈɛlɪdʒɪbəl/ in the UK.
British respelling: EL-ih-jih-bul.
What does eligible mean?
- Allowed to and meeting the necessary conditions required to participate in or be chosen for something.
- Worthy of being chosen (for marriage).“an eligible bachelor”
- One who is eligible.
Where does eligible come from?
From Middle French eligible, from Latin eligibilis, from ēligō (“to select, to choose”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with eligible
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of eligible.
Questions about saying eligible
How do you pronounce eligible?
Say EL-uh-juh-bul. The American pronunciation is /ˈɛlədʒəbəl/. In British English it is /ˈɛlɪdʒɪbəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in eligible?
Eligible has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (EL). Broken into parts: EL · uh · juh · bul.
Do Americans and Brits say eligible the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈɛlədʒəbəl/ and the British form is /ˈɛlɪdʒɪbəl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.