How to pronounce invention
Say it like in-VEN-shun. Invention has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (VEN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce invention. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- in
- VEN
- shun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Invention 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.
- VENSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- shunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of invention
American and British speakers say invention in essentially the same way: /ˌɪnˈvɛnʃən/ in the US and /ɪnˈvɛnʃən/ in the UK.
British respelling: in-VEN-shun.
What does invention mean?
- the creation of something in the mind
- a creation (a new device or process) resulting from study and experimentation
- the act of inventing
Where does invention come from?
Displaced native Old English orþanc.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with invention
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of invention.
Questions about saying invention
How do you pronounce invention?
Say in-VEN-shun. The American pronunciation is /ˌɪnˈvɛnʃən/. In British English it is /ɪnˈvɛnʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in invention?
Invention has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (VEN). Broken into parts: in · VEN · shun.
Do Americans and Brits say invention the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌɪnˈvɛnʃən/ and the British form is /ɪnˈvɛnʃən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.