How to pronounce filigree
Say it like FIL-ih-gree. Filigree has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FIL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce filigree. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- FIL
- ih
- gree
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Filigree pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- FILSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- ihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- greeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of filigree
American and British speakers say filigree in essentially the same way: /ˈfɪlɪɡri/ in the US and /ˈfɪlɪɡriː/ in the UK.
British respelling: FIL-ih-gree.
What does filigree mean?
- A delicate and intricate ornamentation made from platinum, gold or silver (or sometimes other metal) twisted wire.
- Anything resembling such intricate ornamentation.
- To decorate something with intricate ornamentation made from gold or silver twisted wire.
Where does filigree come from?
From French filigrane, from Italian filigrana, from Latin fīlum (“thread”) + grānum (“grain”).
Questions about saying filigree
How do you pronounce filigree?
Say FIL-ih-gree. The American pronunciation is /ˈfɪlɪɡri/. In British English it is /ˈfɪlɪɡriː/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in filigree?
Filigree has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FIL). Broken into parts: FIL · ih · gree.
Do Americans and Brits say filigree the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈfɪlɪɡri/ and the British form is /ˈfɪlɪɡriː/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.