How to pronounce encephalitis
Say it like en-sef-uh-LY-tus. Encephalitis has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the fourth one (LY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce encephalitis. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- en
- sef
- uh
- LY
- tus
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Encephalitis pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- enKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- sefGive 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.
- LYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in time.
- tusKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of encephalitis
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: en-sef-uh-LY-tus.
What does encephalitis mean?
- Inflammation of the brain.
Where does encephalitis come from?
From encephal- + -itis.
Words that rhyme with encephalitis
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of encephalitis.
Questions about saying encephalitis
How do you pronounce encephalitis?
Say en-sef-uh-LY-tus. The American pronunciation is /ɛnˌsɛfəˈlaɪtəs/. In British English it is /ɛnˌsɛfəˈlaɪtəs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in encephalitis?
Encephalitis has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the fourth one (LY). Broken into parts: en · sef · uh · LY · tus.
Is encephalitis pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t. The British form is /ɛnˌsɛfəˈlaɪtəs/ (en-sef-uh-LY-tus).