How to pronounce ingenue
Say it like AHN-zhuh-noo. Ingenue has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AHN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce ingenue. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- AHN
- zhuh
- noo
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Ingenue pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- AHNSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- zhuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- nooKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "oo" in food.
American vs British pronunciation of ingenue
- The stress moves: Americans stress syllable 1, while British speakers stress syllable 3.
- British speakers add a light "y" sound before the "oo" (as in "tyoon" for tune).
British respelling: an-zhay-NYOO.
What does ingenue mean?
- An innocent, unsophisticated, naïve, wholesome girl or young woman.
- A dramatic role of such a woman; an actress playing such a role.
Where does ingenue come from?
Borrowed from French ingénue, the feminine form of ingénu (“guileless”), originally from the Latin ingenuus (“ingenuous”).
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying ingenue
How do you pronounce ingenue?
Say AHN-zhuh-noo. The American pronunciation is /ˈɑnʒənu/. In British English it is /ˌænʒeɪˈnjuː/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in ingenue?
Ingenue has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AHN). Broken into parts: AHN · zhuh · noo.
Is ingenue pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The stress moves: Americans stress syllable 1, while British speakers stress syllable 3. The British form is /ˌænʒeɪˈnjuː/ (an-zhay-NYOO).