How to pronounce imperceptible
Say it like im-per-SEP-tih-bul. Imperceptible has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (SEP).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce imperceptible. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- im
- per
- SEP
- tih
- bul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Imperceptible 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.
- perKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- SEPSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- tihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- bulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of imperceptible
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: im-puh-SEP-tih-bul.
What does imperceptible mean?
- Not perceptible, not detectable, too small in magnitude to be observed.“We all missed the imperceptible shake of his head as he tried to warn us without being seen.”
- Beyond the purview of man; too great and all-encompassing to be perceived.
- Something that is imperceptible.
Where does imperceptible come from?
Inherited from Middle English imperceptible, from Middle French imperceptible and its etymon Medieval Latin imperceptibilis.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying imperceptible
How do you pronounce imperceptible?
Say im-per-SEP-tih-bul. The American pronunciation is /ˌɪmpɚˈsɛptɪbəl/. In British English it is /ˌɪmpəˈsɛptɪbəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in imperceptible?
Imperceptible has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (SEP). Broken into parts: im · per · SEP · tih · bul.
Is imperceptible pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˌɪmpəˈsɛptɪbəl/ (im-puh-SEP-tih-bul).