How to pronounce illuminating
Say it like il-OO-muh-nay-ting. Illuminating has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (OO).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce illuminating. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- il
- OO
- muh
- nay
- ting
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Illuminating 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.
- OOSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "oo" in food.
- muhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- nayGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- tingKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of illuminating
- British speakers add a light "y" sound before the "oo" (as in "tyoon" for tune).
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: ih-LYOO-mih-nay-ting.
What does illuminating mean?
- Providing illumination or light.
- Providing clarification or explanation; educational, revealing.
- present participle and gerund of illuminate. How to pronounce illuminate
Where does illuminating come from?
From illuminate + -ing.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying illuminating
How do you pronounce illuminating?
Say il-OO-muh-nay-ting. The American pronunciation is /ˌɪˈluməˌneɪtɪŋ/. In British English it is /ɪˈljuːmɪneɪtɪŋ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in illuminating?
Illuminating has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (OO). Broken into parts: il · OO · muh · nay · ting.
Is illuminating pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. British speakers add a light "y" sound before the "oo" (as in "tyoon" for tune). The British form is /ɪˈljuːmɪneɪtɪŋ/ (ih-LYOO-mih-nay-ting).