How to pronounce internal
Say it like in-TUR-nul. Internal has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TUR).
- in
- TUR
- nul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Internal 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.
- TURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- nulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of internal
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: in-TUR-nul.
What does internal mean?
- Of or situated on the inside.“We saw the internal compartments of the machine.”
- Within the body.“Her bleeding was internal.”
- Concerned with the domestic affairs of a nation, state or other political community.“The nation suffered from internal conflicts.”
Where does internal come from?
From Middle English internall, internalle, borrowing from New Latin internālis (“of or pertaining to the inner part”), from internus (“inward, internal”) + -ālis (“-al”, adjectival suffix).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with internal
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of internal.
Questions about saying internal
How do you pronounce internal?
Say in-TUR-nul. The American pronunciation is /ˌɪnˈtɝnəl/. In British English it is /ɪnˈtɜːnəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in internal?
Internal has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TUR). Broken into parts: in · TUR · nul.
Is internal 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 /ɪnˈtɜːnəl/ (in-TUR-nul).