How to pronounce enterprise
Say it like EN-ter-pryze. Enterprise has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (EN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce enterprise. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- EN
- ter
- pryze
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Enterprise pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ENSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- terKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- pryzeGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in time.
American vs British pronunciation of enterprise
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: EN-tuh-pryze.
What does enterprise mean?
- a purposeful or industrious undertaking (especially one that requires effort or boldness)“he had doubts about the whole enterprise”
- an organization created for business ventures“a growing enterprise must have a bold leader”
- readiness to embark on bold new ventures
Where does enterprise come from?
From Old French via Middle English and Middle French entreprise, feminine past participle of entreprendre (“to undertake”), from entre (“in between”) + prendre (“to take”), from Latin inter + prehendō, see prehensile.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying enterprise
How do you pronounce enterprise?
Say EN-ter-pryze. The American pronunciation is /ˈɛntɚˌpraɪz/. In British English it is /ˈɛntəˌpraɪz/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in enterprise?
Enterprise has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (EN). Broken into parts: EN · ter · pryze.
Is enterprise 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 /ˈɛntəˌpraɪz/ (EN-tuh-pryze).