How to pronounce imbecility
Say it like im-buh-SIL-uh-tee. Imbecility has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (SIL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce imbecility. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- im
- buh
- SIL
- uh
- tee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Imbecility pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- imGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- buhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- SILSay 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.
- teeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of imbecility
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: im-buh-SIL-uh-tee.
What does imbecility mean?
- The quality of being imbecile; weakness; feebleness, especially of mind.
- Something imbecilic; a stupid action, behavior, etc.
Where does imbecility come from?
From Middle English inbecillite, from Middle French imbecilité, imbecillité, and its etymon Classical Latin imbēcillitās.
Words that rhyme with imbecility
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of imbecility.
- ability
- responsibility
- possibility
- utility
- availability
- capability
- mobility
- flexibility
- probability
- reliability
Questions about saying imbecility
How do you pronounce imbecility?
Say im-buh-SIL-uh-tee. The American pronunciation is /ˌɪmbəˈsɪləti/. In British English it is /ˌɪmbəˈsɪləti/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in imbecility?
Imbecility has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (SIL). Broken into parts: im · buh · SIL · uh · tee.
Is imbecility 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 /ˌɪmbəˈsɪləti/ (im-buh-SIL-uh-tee).