How to pronounce inquest
Say it like IN-kwest. Inquest has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (IN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce inquest. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- IN
- kwest
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Inquest pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- INSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- kwestGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
American vs British pronunciation of inquest
American and British speakers say inquest in essentially the same way: /ˈɪnˌkwɛst/ in the US and /ˈɪnˌkwɛst/ in the UK.
British respelling: IN-kwest.
What does inquest mean?
- A formal investigation, often held before a jury, especially one into the cause of a death
- An inquiry, typically into an undesired outcome
- The jury hearing such an inquiry, and the result of the inquiry
Where does inquest come from?
From Middle English enquest, from Old French enqueste (Modern French enquête), from Vulgar Latin inquirere, or from Medieval Latin inquesta < in + Latin quaesita.
Questions about saying inquest
How do you pronounce inquest?
Say IN-kwest. The American pronunciation is /ˈɪnˌkwɛst/. In British English it is /ˈɪnˌkwɛst/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in inquest?
Inquest has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (IN). Broken into parts: IN · kwest.
Do Americans and Brits say inquest the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈɪnˌkwɛst/ and the British form is /ˈɪnˌkwɛst/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.