How to pronounce enigma
Say it like ih-NIG-muh. Enigma has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (NIG).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce enigma. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ih
- NIG
- muh
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Enigma pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- NIGSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- muhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of enigma
American and British speakers say enigma in essentially the same way: /ɪˈnɪɡmə/ in the US and /ɪˈnɪɡmə/ in the UK.
British respelling: ih-NIG-muh.
What does enigma mean?
- Something or someone puzzling, mysterious or inexplicable.
- A riddle, or a difficult problem.
- Riddles and puzzles, collectively.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with enigma
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of enigma.
Questions about saying enigma
How do you pronounce enigma?
Say ih-NIG-muh. The American pronunciation is /ɪˈnɪɡmə/. In British English it is /ɪˈnɪɡmə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in enigma?
Enigma has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (NIG). Broken into parts: ih · NIG · muh.
Do Americans and Brits say enigma the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ɪˈnɪɡmə/ and the British form is /ɪˈnɪɡmə/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.