How to pronounce equivalent
Say it like ih-KWIV-uh-lunt. Equivalent has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (KWIV).
- ih
- KWIV
- uh
- lunt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Equivalent pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- KWIVSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- luntKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of equivalent
American and British speakers say equivalent in essentially the same way: /ɪˈkwɪvələnt/ in the US and /ɪˈkwɪvələnt/ in the UK.
British respelling: ih-KWIV-uh-lunt.
What does equivalent mean?
- a person or thing equal to another in value or measure or force or effect or significance etc“send two dollars or the equivalent in stamps”
- the atomic weight of an element that has the same combining capacity as a given weight of another element; the standard is 8 for oxygen
- being essentially equal to something“it was as good as gold”“a wish that was equivalent to a command”
Where does equivalent come from?
Mostly displaced native Middle English efenmete (See evenmete).
Words that rhyme with equivalent
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of equivalent.
Questions about saying equivalent
How do you pronounce equivalent?
Say ih-KWIV-uh-lunt. The American pronunciation is /ɪˈkwɪvələnt/. In British English it is /ɪˈkwɪvələnt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in equivalent?
Equivalent has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (KWIV). Broken into parts: ih · KWIV · uh · lunt.
Do Americans and Brits say equivalent the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ɪˈkwɪvələnt/ and the British form is /ɪˈkwɪvələnt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.