How to pronounce importance
Say it like im-POR-tuns. Importance has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (POR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce importance. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- im
- POR
- tuns
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Importance 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.
- PORSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- tunsKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of importance
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: im-PAW-tuns.
What does importance mean?
- the quality of being important and worthy of note“the importance of a well-balanced diet”
- a prominent status“a person of importance”
Where does importance come from?
From Middle English importaunce, from Middle French importance, from Medieval Latin importantia.
Questions about saying importance
How do you pronounce importance?
Say im-POR-tuns. The American pronunciation is /ˌɪmˈpɔrtəns/. In British English it is /ɪmˈpɔːtəns/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in importance?
Importance has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (POR). Broken into parts: im · POR · tuns.
Is importance 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 /ɪmˈpɔːtəns/ (im-PAW-tuns).