How to pronounce involuntary
Say it like in-VOL-un-ter-ee. Involuntary has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (VOL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce involuntary. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- in
- VOL
- un
- ter
- ee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Involuntary 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.
- VOLSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- unKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- terGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- eeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of involuntary
- American English uses 5 syllables and British English 4.
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: in-VOL-un-tree.
What does involuntary mean?
- Without intention; unintentional.
- Not voluntary or willing; contrary or opposed to explicit will or desire; unwilling.“He found himself the involuntary witness in the trial.”
Where does involuntary come from?
From in- + voluntary, from Late Latin involontarius, from in + volontarius.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying involuntary
How do you pronounce involuntary?
Say in-VOL-un-ter-ee. The American pronunciation is /ˌɪnˈvɑlənˌtɛri/. In British English it is /ɪnˈvɒləntri/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in involuntary?
Involuntary has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (VOL). Broken into parts: in · VOL · un · ter · ee.
Is involuntary pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. American English uses 5 syllables and British English 4. The British form is /ɪnˈvɒləntri/ (in-VOL-un-tree).