How to pronounce enlightening
Say it like en-LY-tuh-ning. Enlightening has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (LY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce enlightening. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- en
- LY
- tuh
- ning
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Enlightening pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- enGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- LYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in time.
- tuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- ningKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of enlightening
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: en-LY-tuh-ning.
What does enlightening mean?
- present participle and gerund of enlighten How to pronounce enlighten
- Serving to enlighten.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with enlightening
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of enlightening.
Questions about saying enlightening
How do you pronounce enlightening?
Say en-LY-tuh-ning. The American pronunciation is /ˌɛnˈlaɪtənɪŋ/. In British English it is /ˌɛnˈlaɪtənɪŋ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in enlightening?
Enlightening has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (LY). Broken into parts: en · LY · tuh · ning.
Is enlightening 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 /ˌɛnˈlaɪtənɪŋ/ (en-LY-tuh-ning).