How to pronounce imprecation
Say it like im-prih-KAY-shun. Imprecation has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (KAY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce imprecation. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- im
- prih
- KAY
- shun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Imprecation 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.
- prihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- KAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- shunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of imprecation
American and British speakers say imprecation in essentially the same way: /ˌɪmprɪˈkeɪʃən/ in the US and /ˌɪmprɪˈkeɪʃən/ in the UK.
British respelling: im-prih-KAY-shun.
What does imprecation mean?
- The act of imprecating, or invoking evil upon someone; a prayer that a curse or calamity may befall someone.
- A curse.
Where does imprecation come from?
Learned borrowing from Latin imprecātiō (“calling down of curses”), from imprecor (“call down, invoke”).
Words that rhyme with imprecation
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of imprecation.
Questions about saying imprecation
How do you pronounce imprecation?
Say im-prih-KAY-shun. The American pronunciation is /ˌɪmprɪˈkeɪʃən/. In British English it is /ˌɪmprɪˈkeɪʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in imprecation?
Imprecation has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (KAY). Broken into parts: im · prih · KAY · shun.
Do Americans and Brits say imprecation the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌɪmprɪˈkeɪʃən/ and the British form is /ˌɪmprɪˈkeɪʃən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.