How to pronounce ominous
Say it like OM-uh-nus. Ominous has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (OM).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce ominous. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- OM
- uh
- nus
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Ominous pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- OMSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- nusKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of ominous
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: OM-ih-nus.
What does ominous mean?
- Of or pertaining to an omen or to omens; being or exhibiting an omen; significant.
- Specifically, giving indication of a coming ill; being an evil omen
Where does ominous come from?
From Latin ōminōsus (“full of foreboding”), from ōmen (“forbidden fruit, omen”), from Old Latin osmen, of uncertain origin, with many origins proposed (see ōmen).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying ominous
How do you pronounce ominous?
Say OM-uh-nus. The American pronunciation is /ˈɑmənəs/. In British English it is /ˈɒmɪnəs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in ominous?
Ominous has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (OM). Broken into parts: OM · uh · nus.
Is ominous 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 /ˈɒmɪnəs/ (OM-ih-nus).