How to pronounce existential
Say it like eg-zis-TEN-shul. Existential has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (TEN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce existential. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- eg
- zis
- TEN
- shul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Existential pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- egGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- zisGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- TENSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- shulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of existential
American and British speakers say existential in essentially the same way: /ˌɛɡˌzɪˈstɛnʃəl/ in the US and /ˌɛɡzɪˈstɛnʃəl/ in the UK.
British respelling: eg-zih-STEN-shul.
What does existential mean?
- Of or relating to existence.
- Concerning the very existence of something, especially with regard to evading extinction.“an existential risk or threat”
- Of an assertion, etc.: assuming or suggesting the existence of something.
Where does existential come from?
The noun is derived from the adjective.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with existential
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of existential.
- potential
- essential
- presidential
- residential
- influential
- confidential
- differential
- exponential
- sequential
- preferential
Questions about saying existential
How do you pronounce existential?
Say eg-zis-TEN-shul. The American pronunciation is /ˌɛɡˌzɪˈstɛnʃəl/. In British English it is /ˌɛɡzɪˈstɛnʃəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in existential?
Existential has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (TEN). Broken into parts: eg · zis · TEN · shul.
Do Americans and Brits say existential the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌɛɡˌzɪˈstɛnʃəl/ and the British form is /ˌɛɡzɪˈstɛnʃəl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.