How to pronounce impact
Say it like IM-pakt. Impact has two 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 impact. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- IM
- pakt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Impact 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.
- paktKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
American vs British pronunciation of impact
American and British speakers say impact in essentially the same way: /ˈɪmpækt/ in the US and /ˈɪmpækt/ in the UK.
British respelling: IM-pakt.
Other ways to say impact
Impact also has this pronunciation, usually with a different meaning or use:
- im-PAKT /ˌɪmˈpækt/
What does impact mean?
- the striking of one body against another
- a forceful consequence; a strong effect“the book had an important impact on my thinking”“the book packs a wallop”
- influencing strongly“they resented the impingement of American values on European culture”
- press or wedge together; pack together
- have an effect upon“Will the new rules affect me?”
Where does impact come from?
Attested since the 17th century, from Latin impāctus.
Questions about saying impact
How do you pronounce impact?
Say IM-pakt. The American pronunciation is /ˈɪmpækt/. In British English it is /ˈɪmpækt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in impact?
Impact has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (IM). Broken into parts: IM · pakt.
Do Americans and Brits say impact the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈɪmpækt/ and the British form is /ˈɪmpækt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.