How to pronounce initials
Say it like in-ISH-ulz. Initials has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (ISH).
VoiceSpeed
US American/ˌɪˈnɪʃəlz/in-ISH-ulz
UK British/ɪˈnɪʃəlz/ih-NISH-ulz
- in
- ISH
- ulz
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Initials 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.
- ISHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- ulzKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of initials
American and British speakers say initials in essentially the same way: /ˌɪˈnɪʃəlz/ in the US and /ɪˈnɪʃəlz/ in the UK.
British respelling: ih-NISH-ulz.
What does initials mean?
noun
- plural of initial How to pronounce initial
- An abbreviation of a person's name, constructed by taking the initial letters of first, last, and sometimes middle name(s). See monogram“Write your initials at the top of the page.”
- third-person singular simple present indicative of initial How to pronounce initial
Questions about saying initials
How do you pronounce initials?
Say in-ISH-ulz. The American pronunciation is /ˌɪˈnɪʃəlz/. In British English it is /ɪˈnɪʃəlz/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in initials?
Initials has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (ISH). Broken into parts: in · ISH · ulz.
Do Americans and Brits say initials the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌɪˈnɪʃəlz/ and the British form is /ɪˈnɪʃəlz/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.