How to pronounce inopportune
Say it like in-op-er-TOON. Inopportune has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the fourth one (TOON).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce inopportune. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- in
- op
- er
- TOON
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Inopportune 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.
- opGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- erKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- TOONSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "oo" in food.
American vs British pronunciation of inopportune
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
- British speakers add a light "y" sound before the "oo" (as in "tyoon" for tune).
British respelling: in-op-uh-TYOON.
What does inopportune mean?
- Unsuitable for some particular purpose.“That was a most inopportune spot for a picnic.”
- Happening/occurring at an inconvenient or inappropriate time.“The inopportune arrival of the bus cut short the interesting conversation.”
Where does inopportune come from?
From Latin inopportūnus.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with inopportune
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of inopportune.
Questions about saying inopportune
How do you pronounce inopportune?
Say in-op-er-TOON. The American pronunciation is /ˌɪˌnɑpɚˈtun/. In British English it is /ˌɪˌnɒpəˈtjuːn/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in inopportune?
Inopportune has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the fourth one (TOON). Broken into parts: in · op · er · TOON.
Is inopportune 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 /ˌɪˌnɒpəˈtjuːn/ (in-op-uh-TYOON).