How to pronounce gumption
Say it like GUHMP-shun. Gumption has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (GUHMP).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce gumption. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- GUHMP
- shun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Gumption pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- GUHMPSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- shunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of gumption
American and British speakers say gumption in essentially the same way: /ˈɡʌmpʃən/ in the US and /ˈɡʌmpʃən/ in the UK.
British respelling: GUHMP-shun.
What does gumption mean?
- Common sense, initiative, resourcefulness.
- Boldness of enterprise; aggressiveness or initiative.
- Energy of body and mind, enthusiasm.
Where does gumption come from?
Borrowed from Scots gumption (“common sense, shrewdness; drive, initiative”); further etymology unknown, possibly connected with Middle English gome (“attention, heed”), from Old Norse gaumr (“attention, heed”), from Proto-Germanic *gaumō.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with gumption
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of gumption.
Questions about saying gumption
How do you pronounce gumption?
Say GUHMP-shun. The American pronunciation is /ˈɡʌmpʃən/. In British English it is /ˈɡʌmpʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in gumption?
Gumption has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (GUHMP). Broken into parts: GUHMP · shun.
Do Americans and Brits say gumption the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈɡʌmpʃən/ and the British form is /ˈɡʌmpʃən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.