How to pronounce imprimatur
Say it like im-prih-MAH-ter. Imprimatur has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (MAH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce imprimatur. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- im
- prih
- MAH
- ter
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Imprimatur 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.
- MAHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- terKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of imprimatur
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: im-prih-MAY-tuh.
What does imprimatur mean?
- An official license to publish or print something, especially when censorship applies.
- Any mark of official approval.
Where does imprimatur come from?
From Latin imprimātur (“let it be printed”), third person singular present subjunctive passive form of imprimere (“to imprint”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with imprimatur
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of imprimatur.
Questions about saying imprimatur
How do you pronounce imprimatur?
Say im-prih-MAH-ter. The American pronunciation is /ˌɪmprɪˈmɑtɚ/. In British English it is /ˌɪmprɪˈmeɪtə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in imprimatur?
Imprimatur has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (MAH). Broken into parts: im · prih · MAH · ter.
Is imprimatur 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 /ˌɪmprɪˈmeɪtə/ (im-prih-MAY-tuh).