How to pronounce obscenity
Say it like ub-SEN-ih-tee. Obscenity has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SEN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce obscenity. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ub
- SEN
- ih
- tee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Obscenity pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ubKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- SENSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- ihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- teeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of obscenity
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: ub-SEN-ih-tee.
What does obscenity mean?
- Something that is obscene.“Martha wouldn't go into the art museum because, as she put it, "They have obscenities just sitting out, on display!"”
- An act of obscene behavior.“Bestiality was outlawed as an obscenity in the strongly conservative community.”
- Specifically, an offensive word; a profanity; a dirty word.“Eliza couldn't stand her daughter's music; as she saw it, it was just shouted obscenities and a heavy drum beat.”
Where does obscenity come from?
From obscene + -ity, from Latin obscenitas.
Questions about saying obscenity
How do you pronounce obscenity?
Say ub-SEN-ih-tee. The American pronunciation is /əbˈsɛnɪti/. In British English it is /əbˈsɛnɪti/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in obscenity?
Obscenity has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SEN). Broken into parts: ub · SEN · ih · tee.
Is obscenity pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t. The British form is /əbˈsɛnɪti/ (ub-SEN-ih-tee).