How to pronounce mournful
Say it like MORN-ful. Mournful has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MORN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce mournful. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- MORN
- ful
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Mournful pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- MORNSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- fulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of mournful
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: MAWN-ful.
What does mournful mean?
- Filled with grief or sadness; being in a state in which one mourns.
- Fit to inspire mourning; tragic.
Where does mournful come from?
From mourn + -ful.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with mournful
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of mournful.
Questions about saying mournful
How do you pronounce mournful?
Say MORN-ful. The American pronunciation is /ˈmɔrnfəl/. In British English it is /ˈmɔːnfəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in mournful?
Mournful has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MORN). Broken into parts: MORN · ful.
Is mournful 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 /ˈmɔːnfəl/ (MAWN-ful).