How to pronounce indignation
Say it like in-dig-NAY-shun. Indignation has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (NAY).
- in
- dig
- NAY
- shun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Indignation pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- inGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- digKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- NAYSay 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 indignation
American and British speakers say indignation in essentially the same way: /ˌɪndɪɡˈneɪʃən/ in the US and /ˌɪndɪɡˈneɪʃən/ in the UK.
British respelling: in-dig-NAY-shun.
What does indignation mean?
- An anger aroused by something perceived as an indignity, notably an offense or injustice.“He protested in indignation.”
- A self-righteous anger or disgust.
Where does indignation come from?
From Middle English indignacioun, borrowed from Old French indignation, from Latin indignātiō, from indignor (“to scorn, resent”), from indignus (“unworthy, not fitting”), from in- (“not”) + dignus (“worthy, appropriate”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with indignation
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of indignation.
- information
- education
- situation
- association
- population
- station
- administration
- operation
- organization
- application
Questions about saying indignation
How do you pronounce indignation?
Say in-dig-NAY-shun. The American pronunciation is /ˌɪndɪɡˈneɪʃən/. In British English it is /ˌɪndɪɡˈneɪʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in indignation?
Indignation has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (NAY). Broken into parts: in · dig · NAY · shun.
Do Americans and Brits say indignation the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌɪndɪɡˈneɪʃən/ and the British form is /ˌɪndɪɡˈneɪʃən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.