How to pronounce eternity
Say it like ih-TUR-nuh-tee. Eternity has four 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 eternity. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ih
- TUR
- nuh
- tee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Eternity 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.
- nuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- teeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of eternity
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: ih-TUR-nih-tee.
What does eternity mean?
- time without end
- a state of eternal existence believed in some religions to characterize the afterlife
- a seemingly endless time interval (waiting)
Where does eternity come from?
From Middle English eternyte, from Old French eternité, from Latin aeternitās.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with eternity
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of eternity.
Questions about saying eternity
How do you pronounce eternity?
Say ih-TUR-nuh-tee. The American pronunciation is /ɪˈtɝnəti/. In British English it is /ɪˈtɜːnɪti/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in eternity?
Eternity has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TUR). Broken into parts: ih · TUR · nuh · tee.
Is eternity 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 /ɪˈtɜːnɪti/ (ih-TUR-nih-tee).