How to pronounce enlightenment
Say it like en-LY-tun-munt. Enlightenment 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 enlightenment. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- en
- LY
- tun
- munt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Enlightenment 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.
- tunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- muntKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of enlightenment
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: en-LY-tun-munt.
What does enlightenment mean?
- education that results in understanding and the spread of knowledge
- (Hinduism and Buddhism) the beatitude that transcends the cycle of reincarnation; characterized by the extinction of desire and suffering and individual consciousness
- a movement in Europe from about 1650 until 1800 that advocated the use of reason and individualism instead of tradition and established doctrine“the Enlightenment brought about many humanitarian reforms”
Where does enlightenment come from?
From enlighten + -ment.
Questions about saying enlightenment
How do you pronounce enlightenment?
Say en-LY-tun-munt. The American pronunciation is /ˌɛnˈlaɪtənmənt/. In British English it is /ˌɛnˈlaɪtənmənt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in enlightenment?
Enlightenment has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (LY). Broken into parts: en · LY · tun · munt.
Is enlightenment 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 /ˌɛnˈlaɪtənmənt/ (en-LY-tun-munt).