How to pronounce mention
Say it like MEN-shun. Mention has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MEN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce mention. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- MEN
- shun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Mention pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- MENSay 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 mention
American and British speakers say mention in essentially the same way: /ˈmɛnʃən/ in the US and /ˈmɛnʃən/ in the UK.
British respelling: MEN-shun.
What does mention mean?
- make reference to“His name was mentioned in connection with the invention”
- make mention of“She observed that his presentation took up too much time”“They noted that it was a fine day to go sailing”
- commend“he was cited for his outstanding achievements”
- a remark that calls attention to something or someone“she made frequent mention of her promotion”“there was no mention of it”
- a short note recognizing a source of information or of a quoted passage“the student's essay failed to list several important citations”“the acknowledgments are usually printed at the front of a book”
- an official recognition of merit“although he didn't win the prize he did get special mention”
Where does mention come from?
Inherited from Middle English mencioun, mention, from Old French mention, from Latin mentiōnem, accusative of mentiō (“a mention, calling to mind”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with mention
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of mention.
Questions about saying mention
How do you pronounce mention?
Say MEN-shun. The American pronunciation is /ˈmɛnʃən/. In British English it is /ˈmɛnʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in mention?
Mention has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MEN). Broken into parts: MEN · shun.
Do Americans and Brits say mention the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈmɛnʃən/ and the British form is /ˈmɛnʃən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.