How to pronounce encumber
Say it like en-KUHM-ber. Encumber has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (KUHM).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce encumber. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- en
- KUHM
- ber
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Encumber 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.
- KUHMSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- berKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of encumber
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: en-KUHM-buh.
What does encumber mean?
- To load down something with a burden.
- To restrict or block something with a hindrance or impediment.
- To burden with a legal claim or other obligation.
Where does encumber come from?
From Middle English encombren, from Old French encombrer, from en- + combrer (“to hinder”) (See cumber).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with encumber
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of encumber.
Questions about saying encumber
How do you pronounce encumber?
Say en-KUHM-ber. The American pronunciation is /ɛnˈkʌmbɚ/. In British English it is /ɛnˈkʌmbə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in encumber?
Encumber has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (KUHM). Broken into parts: en · KUHM · ber.
Is encumber pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ɛnˈkʌmbə/ (en-KUHM-buh).