How to pronounce optional
Say it like AHP-shuh-nul. Optional has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AHP).
- AHP
- shuh
- nul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Optional pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- AHPSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- shuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- nulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of optional
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: OP-shuh-nul.
Other ways to say optional
Optional also has this pronunciation, usually with a different meaning or use:
- AWP-shuh-nul /ˈɔpʃənəl/
What does optional mean?
- Not compulsory; left to personal choice; elective.“On that beach clothing is entirely optional.”
- Something that is not compulsory, especially part of an academic course.
- In various programming languages, a kind of variable that is assigned a specific data type but may or may not hold an actual value.
Where does optional come from?
From option + -al.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying optional
How do you pronounce optional?
Say AHP-shuh-nul. The American pronunciation is /ˈɑpʃənəl/. In British English it is /ˈɒpʃənəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in optional?
Optional has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AHP). Broken into parts: AHP · shuh · nul.
Is optional 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 /ˈɒpʃənəl/ (OP-shuh-nul).