How to pronounce ligature
Say it like LIG-uh-cher. Ligature has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LIG).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce ligature. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- LIG
- uh
- cher
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Ligature pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- LIGSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- cherKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of ligature
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: LIG-uh-chuh.
What does ligature mean?
- The act of tying or binding something.
- A cord or similar thing used to tie something; especially the thread used in surgery to close a vessel or duct.“anti-ligature clothing”
- A thread or wire used to remove tumors, etc.
- To ligate; to tie.
Where does ligature come from?
From Middle English ligature, from Middle French ligature, from Late Latin ligātūra, from ligāre (“to tie, bind”).
Questions about saying ligature
How do you pronounce ligature?
Say LIG-uh-cher. The American pronunciation is /ˈlɪɡətʃɚ/. In British English it is /ˈlɪɡətʃə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in ligature?
Ligature has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LIG). Broken into parts: LIG · uh · cher.
Is ligature 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 /ˈlɪɡətʃə/ (LIG-uh-chuh).