How to pronounce infernal
Say it like in-FUR-nul. Infernal has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FUR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce infernal. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- in
- FUR
- nul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Infernal 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.
- FURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- nulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of infernal
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: in-FUR-nul.
What does infernal mean?
- Of or relating to hell, or the world of the dead; hellish.
- Of or relating to a fire or inferno.
- Stygian, gloomy.
- An inhabitant of the infernal regions, a demon.
Where does infernal come from?
From Middle French infernal, from Medieval Latin infernalis, from Latin īnfernus, from īnferum (“netherworld, underworld, hell”), equivalent to inferno + -al.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with infernal
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of infernal.
Questions about saying infernal
How do you pronounce infernal?
Say in-FUR-nul. The American pronunciation is /ˌɪnˈfɝnəl/. In British English it is /ɪnˈfɜːnəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in infernal?
Infernal has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FUR). Broken into parts: in · FUR · nul.
Is infernal 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 /ɪnˈfɜːnəl/ (in-FUR-nul).