How to pronounce inelegant
Say it like ih-NEL-ih-gunt. Inelegant has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (NEL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce inelegant. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ih
- NEL
- ih
- gunt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Inelegant pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- NELSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- ihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- guntKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of inelegant
American and British speakers say inelegant in essentially the same way: /ɪˈnɛlɪɡənt/ in the US and /ɪˈnɛlɪɡənt/ in the UK.
British respelling: ih-NEL-ih-gunt.
What does inelegant mean?
- Not elegant; not exhibiting neatness, refinement, or precision.
Where does inelegant come from?
From Middle French inélégant, from Latin inēlegāns; equivalent to in- + elegant.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying inelegant
How do you pronounce inelegant?
Say ih-NEL-ih-gunt. The American pronunciation is /ɪˈnɛlɪɡənt/. In British English it is /ɪˈnɛlɪɡənt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in inelegant?
Inelegant has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (NEL). Broken into parts: ih · NEL · ih · gunt.
Do Americans and Brits say inelegant the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ɪˈnɛlɪɡənt/ and the British form is /ɪˈnɛlɪɡənt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.