How to pronounce impetuous
Say it like im-PECH-wus. Impetuous has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (PECH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce impetuous. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- im
- PECH
- wus
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Impetuous 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.
- PECHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- wusKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of impetuous
American and British speakers say impetuous in essentially the same way: /ˌɪmˈpɛtʃwəs/ in the US and /ˌɪmˈpɛtʃwəs/ in the UK.
British respelling: im-PECH-wus.
What does impetuous mean?
- Making arbitrary decisions, especially in an impulsive and forceful manner.
- Characterized by sudden violence or vehemence.
Where does impetuous come from?
From Middle English impetuous, from Old French impetueux, from Late Latin impetuōsus (“violent”), from Latin impetus (“attack, violence”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying impetuous
How do you pronounce impetuous?
Say im-PECH-wus. The American pronunciation is /ˌɪmˈpɛtʃwəs/. In British English it is /ˌɪmˈpɛtʃwəs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in impetuous?
Impetuous has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (PECH). Broken into parts: im · PECH · wus.
Do Americans and Brits say impetuous the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌɪmˈpɛtʃwəs/ and the British form is /ˌɪmˈpɛtʃwəs/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.