How to pronounce invalid
Say it like IN-vuh-lud. Invalid has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (IN).
- IN
- vuh
- lud
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Tip: Not valid: 'in-VAL-id'. A sick person: 'IN-vuh-lid'.
Invalid 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.
- vuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- ludKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of invalid
American and British speakers say invalid in essentially the same way: /ˈɪnvələd/ in the US and /ˈɪnvəlɪd/ in the UK.
British respelling: IN-vuh-lid.
Other ways to say invalid
Invalid also has this pronunciation, usually with a different meaning or use:
- in-VAL-ud /ˌɪnˈvæləd/
What does invalid mean?
- Not valid; not true, correct, acceptable, or appropriate.“Your argument is invalid because it uses circular reasoning.”
- Suffering from disability or illness.
- Intended for use by an invalid.
- To exempt from (often military) duty because of injury or ill health.“He was invalided home after the car crash.”
- To make invalid or affect with disease.
Where does invalid come from?
From in- + valid.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- disallowed
- nonvalid
- shut-in
- disable
- incapacitate
- handicap
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying invalid
How do you pronounce invalid?
Say IN-vuh-lud. The American pronunciation is /ˈɪnvələd/. In British English it is /ˈɪnvəlɪd/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in invalid?
Invalid has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (IN). Broken into parts: IN · vuh · lud.
Do Americans and Brits say invalid the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈɪnvələd/ and the British form is /ˈɪnvəlɪd/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.