How to pronounce ensconce
Say it like en-SKONS. Ensconce has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SKONS).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce ensconce. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- en
- SKONS
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Ensconce 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.
- SKONSSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
American vs British pronunciation of ensconce
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: in-SKONS.
What does ensconce mean?
- To place in a secure environment.
- To settle comfortably.
Where does ensconce come from?
From en- + sconce, “to place in a sconce (“fortification”)”.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with ensconce
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of ensconce.
Questions about saying ensconce
How do you pronounce ensconce?
Say en-SKONS. The American pronunciation is /ɛnˈskɑns/. In British English it is /ɪnˈskɒns/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in ensconce?
Ensconce has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SKONS). Broken into parts: en · SKONS.
Is ensconce pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /ɪnˈskɒns/ (in-SKONS).