How to pronounce eternal
Say it like ih-TUR-nul. Eternal has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TUR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce eternal. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ih
- TUR
- nul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Eternal 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.
- TURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- nulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of eternal
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: ih-TUR-nul.
What does eternal mean?
- continuing forever or indefinitely“the ageless themes of love and revenge”“eternal truths”
- tiresomely long; seemingly without end“endless debates”“an endless conversation”
Where does eternal come from?
From Middle English eternal, from Old French eternal, from Late Latin aeternālis, from Latin aeternus (“eternal”), from aevum (“age”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with eternal
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of eternal.
Questions about saying eternal
How do you pronounce eternal?
Say ih-TUR-nul. The American pronunciation is /ɪˈtɝnəl/. In British English it is /ɪˈtɜːnəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in eternal?
Eternal has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TUR). Broken into parts: ih · TUR · nul.
Is eternal 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 /ɪˈtɜːnəl/ (ih-TUR-nul).