How to pronounce illegitimate
Say it like il-ih-JIT-uh-mit. Illegitimate has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (JIT).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce illegitimate. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- il
- ih
- JIT
- uh
- mit
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Illegitimate pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ilGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- ihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- JITSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- mitKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of illegitimate
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: ih-lih-JIT-ih-mit.
What does illegitimate mean?
- Not conforming to known principles, or established or accepted rules or standards.
- Not in accordance with the law.
- Not sanctioned by marriage.
- A person born to unmarried parents.
- To make illegitimate.
Where does illegitimate come from?
First attested in 1536, from Latin illēgitimus, most likely an adapted borrowing of Middle French illegitime, equivalent to il- + legitimate, see -ate (etymology 1, 2 and 3).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying illegitimate
How do you pronounce illegitimate?
Say il-ih-JIT-uh-mit. The American pronunciation is /ˌɪlɪˈdʒɪtəmɪt/. In British English it is /ɪlɪˈdʒɪtɪmɪt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in illegitimate?
Illegitimate has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (JIT). Broken into parts: il · ih · JIT · uh · mit.
Is illegitimate pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t. The British form is /ɪlɪˈdʒɪtɪmɪt/ (ih-lih-JIT-ih-mit).