How to pronounce mortmain
Say it like MORT-mayn. Mortmain has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MORT).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce mortmain. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- MORT
- mayn
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Mortmain pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- MORTSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- maynKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of mortmain
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: MAWT-mayn.
What does mortmain mean?
- The perpetual, inalienable possession of lands by a corporation or non-personal entity such as a church.
- A strong and inalienable possession.
Where does mortmain come from?
From Anglo-Norman mortmayn, morte meyn, from Old French mortes meins, after Late Latin phrase mortua manus.
Questions about saying mortmain
How do you pronounce mortmain?
Say MORT-mayn. The American pronunciation is /ˈmɔrtmeɪn/. In British English it is /ˈmɔːtmeɪn/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in mortmain?
Mortmain has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MORT). Broken into parts: MORT · mayn.
Is mortmain 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 /ˈmɔːtmeɪn/ (MAWT-mayn).