How to pronounce nonessential
Say it like nah-nih-SEN-shul. Nonessential has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (SEN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce nonessential. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- nah
- nih
- SEN
- shul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Nonessential pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- nahGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- nihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- SENSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- shulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of nonessential
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: non-ih-SEN-shul.
What does nonessential mean?
- Something that is not essential.
- Not required; not essential.
Where does nonessential come from?
From non- + essential.
Words that rhyme with nonessential
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of nonessential.
- potential
- presidential
- residential
- influential
- confidential
- differential
- existential
- exponential
- sequential
- preferential
Questions about saying nonessential
How do you pronounce nonessential?
Say nah-nih-SEN-shul. The American pronunciation is /ˌnɑnɪˈsɛnʃəl/. In British English it is /ˌnɒnɪˈsɛnʃəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in nonessential?
Nonessential has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (SEN). Broken into parts: nah · nih · SEN · shul.
Is nonessential pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /ˌnɒnɪˈsɛnʃəl/ (non-ih-SEN-shul).