How to pronounce institution
Say it like in-stih-TOO-shun. Institution has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (TOO).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce institution. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- in
- stih
- TOO
- shun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Institution 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.
- stihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- TOOSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "oo" in food.
- shunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of institution
- British speakers add a light "y" sound before the "oo" (as in "tyoon" for tune).
British respelling: in-stih-TYOO-shun.
What does institution mean?
- an organization founded and united for a specific purpose
- an establishment consisting of a building or complex of buildings where an organization for the promotion of some cause is situated
- a custom that for a long time has been an important feature of some group or society“the institution of marriage”“the institution of slavery”
Where does institution come from?
From Middle English institucioun, from Old French institution, from Latin institūtiō, from instituō (“to set up”), from in- (“in, on”) + statuō (“to set up, establish”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with institution
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of institution.
- solution
- distribution
- resolution
- constitution
- revolution
- evolution
- contribution
- execution
- pollution
- prosecution
Questions about saying institution
How do you pronounce institution?
Say in-stih-TOO-shun. The American pronunciation is /ˌɪnstɪˈtuʃən/. In British English it is /ˌɪnstɪˈtjuːʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in institution?
Institution has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (TOO). Broken into parts: in · stih · TOO · shun.
Is institution pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. British speakers add a light "y" sound before the "oo" (as in "tyoon" for tune). The British form is /ˌɪnstɪˈtjuːʃən/ (in-stih-TYOO-shun).