How to pronounce imbecile
Say it like IM-buh-sil. Imbecile has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (IM).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce imbecile. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- IM
- buh
- sil
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Imbecile pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- IMSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- buhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- silKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of imbecile
- The stress moves: Americans stress syllable 1, while British speakers stress syllable 3.
British respelling: im-buh-SEEL.
What does imbecile mean?
- Destitute of strength, whether of body or mind; feeble; impotent; especially, mentally weak.
Where does imbecile come from?
Borrowed from Middle French imbécile, from Latin imbēcillus (“weak, feeble”), literally “without a staff”.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying imbecile
How do you pronounce imbecile?
Say IM-buh-sil. The American pronunciation is /ˈɪmbəsɪl/. In British English it is /ɪmbəˈsiːl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in imbecile?
Imbecile has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (IM). Broken into parts: IM · buh · sil.
Is imbecile pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The stress moves: Americans stress syllable 1, while British speakers stress syllable 3. The British form is /ɪmbəˈsiːl/ (im-buh-SEEL).