How to pronounce encouragement
Say it like en-KUR-rij-munt. Encouragement has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (KUR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce encouragement. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- en
- KUR
- rij
- munt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Encouragement 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.
- KURSay this part loudest and longest.
- rijKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- muntKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of encouragement
American and British speakers say encouragement in essentially the same way: /ɛnˈkɜrɪdʒmənt/ in the US and /ɛnˈkʌrɪdʒmənt/ in the UK.
British respelling: en-KUHR-ij-munt.
What does encouragement mean?
- the expression of approval and support
- the act of giving hope or support to someone
- the feeling of being encouraged
Where does encouragement come from?
Borrowed from Middle French encoragement.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with encouragement
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of encouragement.
Questions about saying encouragement
How do you pronounce encouragement?
Say en-KUR-rij-munt. The American pronunciation is /ɛnˈkɜrɪdʒmənt/. In British English it is /ɛnˈkʌrɪdʒmənt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in encouragement?
Encouragement has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (KUR). Broken into parts: en · KUR · rij · munt.
Do Americans and Brits say encouragement the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ɛnˈkɜrɪdʒmənt/ and the British form is /ɛnˈkʌrɪdʒmənt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.