How to pronounce inquisition
Say it like in-kwuh-ZISH-un. Inquisition has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (ZISH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce inquisition. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- in
- kwuh
- ZISH
- un
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Inquisition 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.
- kwuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- ZISHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- unKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of inquisition
American and British speakers say inquisition in essentially the same way: /ˌɪnkwəˈzɪʃən/ in the US and /ˌɪnkwəˈzɪʃən/ in the UK.
British respelling: in-kwuh-ZISH-un.
What does inquisition mean?
- An inquiry or investigation into the truth of some matter.
- Such an investigation that is asserted to be persecutory by its adversaries.
- An inquest.
Where does inquisition come from?
From Old French inquisicion, from Latin inquisitio, from inquirere.
Words that rhyme with inquisition
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of inquisition.
Questions about saying inquisition
How do you pronounce inquisition?
Say in-kwuh-ZISH-un. The American pronunciation is /ˌɪnkwəˈzɪʃən/. In British English it is /ˌɪnkwəˈzɪʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in inquisition?
Inquisition has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (ZISH). Broken into parts: in · kwuh · ZISH · un.
Do Americans and Brits say inquisition the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌɪnkwəˈzɪʃən/ and the British form is /ˌɪnkwəˈzɪʃən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.