How to pronounce ensure
Say it like en-SHOOR. Ensure has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SHOOR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce ensure. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- en
- SHOOR
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Ensure 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.
- SHOORSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "oo" in book.
American vs British pronunciation of ensure
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: en-SHAW.
What does ensure mean?
- make certain of“This nest egg will ensure a nice retirement for us”“Preparation will guarantee success!”
- be careful or certain to do something; make certain of something“He verified that the valves were closed”“See that the curtains are closed”
Where does ensure come from?
From Middle English ensuren, from Anglo-Norman enseurer, from Old French seur (“sure”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with ensure
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of ensure.
Questions about saying ensure
How do you pronounce ensure?
Say en-SHOOR. The American pronunciation is /ɛnˈʃʊr/. In British English it is /ɛnˈʃɔː/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in ensure?
Ensure has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SHOOR). Broken into parts: en · SHOOR.
Is ensure 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 /ɛnˈʃɔː/ (en-SHAW).