How to pronounce licentious
Say it like ly-SEN-chus. Licentious has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SEN).
- ly
- SEN
- chus
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Licentious pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- lyKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in time.
- SENSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- chusKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of licentious
American and British speakers say licentious in essentially the same way: /laɪˈsɛntʃəs/ in the US and /laɪˈsɛntʃəs/ in the UK.
British respelling: ly-SEN-chus.
What does licentious mean?
- Lacking restraint, or ignoring societal standards, particularly in sexual conduct; sexually unprincipled.
- Disregarding accepted rules.
Where does licentious come from?
From Latin licentiōsus, from licentia (“license, freedom”).
Questions about saying licentious
How do you pronounce licentious?
Say ly-SEN-chus. The American pronunciation is /laɪˈsɛntʃəs/. In British English it is /laɪˈsɛntʃəs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in licentious?
Licentious has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SEN). Broken into parts: ly · SEN · chus.
Do Americans and Brits say licentious the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /laɪˈsɛntʃəs/ and the British form is /laɪˈsɛntʃəs/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.