How to pronounce elocution
Say it like el-uh-KYOO-shun. Elocution has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (KYOO).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce elocution. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- el
- uh
- KYOO
- shun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Elocution 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.
- KYOOSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "oo" in food.
- shunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of elocution
American and British speakers say elocution in essentially the same way: /ˌɛləˈkjuʃən/ in the US and /ˌɛləˈkjuːʃən/ in the UK.
British respelling: el-uh-KYOO-shun.
What does elocution mean?
- The art of speaking, especially public speaking, with expert control of gesture and voice, diction (articulation and word choice), and usage.“perfect elocution”
Where does elocution come from?
From Middle English elocucioun, ellocucioun, from Late Latin ēlocutiōnem.
Words that rhyme with elocution
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of elocution.
- solution
- distribution
- resolution
- constitution
- revolution
- evolution
- institution
- contribution
- execution
- pollution
Questions about saying elocution
How do you pronounce elocution?
Say el-uh-KYOO-shun. The American pronunciation is /ˌɛləˈkjuʃən/. In British English it is /ˌɛləˈkjuːʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in elocution?
Elocution has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (KYOO). Broken into parts: el · uh · KYOO · shun.
Do Americans and Brits say elocution the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌɛləˈkjuʃən/ and the British form is /ˌɛləˈkjuːʃən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.