How to pronounce equilibrium
Say it like ee-kwuh-LIB-ree-um. Equilibrium has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (LIB).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce equilibrium. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ee
- kwuh
- LIB
- ree
- um
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Equilibrium pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- eeGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- kwuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- LIBSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- reeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- umKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of equilibrium
- American English uses 5 syllables and British English 4.
British respelling: ee-kwih-LIB-reerm.
What does equilibrium mean?
- a stable situation in which forces cancel one another
- a chemical reaction and its reverse proceed at equal rates
- equality of distribution
Where does equilibrium come from?
From Latin aequilībrium, from equal + lībra (“balance”).
Questions about saying equilibrium
How do you pronounce equilibrium?
Say ee-kwuh-LIB-ree-um. The American pronunciation is /ˌikwəˈlɪbriəm/. In British English it is /ˌiːkwɪˈlɪbrɪəm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in equilibrium?
Equilibrium has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (LIB). Broken into parts: ee · kwuh · LIB · ree · um.
Is equilibrium pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. American English uses 5 syllables and British English 4. The British form is /ˌiːkwɪˈlɪbrɪəm/ (ee-kwih-LIB-reerm).