How to pronounce mercantile
Say it like MUR-kun-tyle. Mercantile has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MUR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce mercantile. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- MUR
- kun
- tyle
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Mercantile pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- MURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- kunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- tyleGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in time.
American vs British pronunciation of mercantile
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: MUR-kun-tyle.
What does mercantile mean?
- Concerned with the exchange of goods for profit.
- Of or relating to mercantilism.
Where does mercantile come from?
Borrowed from French mercantile, from Italian mercantile, from mercante (“merchant”), from Latin mercāns (“trading”).
Questions about saying mercantile
How do you pronounce mercantile?
Say MUR-kun-tyle. The American pronunciation is /ˈmɝkənˌtaɪl/. In British English it is /ˈmɜːkənˌtaɪl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in mercantile?
Mercantile has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MUR). Broken into parts: MUR · kun · tyle.
Is mercantile 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 /ˈmɜːkənˌtaɪl/ (MUR-kun-tyle).