How to pronounce ordain
Say it like or-DAYN. Ordain has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (DAYN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce ordain. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- or
- DAYN
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Ordain pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- orKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- DAYNSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of ordain
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: aw-DAYN.
What does ordain mean?
- To prearrange unalterably.
- To decree.
- To admit into the ministry, for example as a priest, bishop, minister or Buddhist monk, or to authorize as a rabbi.
Where does ordain come from?
From Middle English ordeynen, from Old French ordiner, from Latin ordinare (“to order”), from ordo (“order”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with ordain
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of ordain.
Questions about saying ordain
How do you pronounce ordain?
Say or-DAYN. The American pronunciation is /ɔrˈdeɪn/. In British English it is /ɔːˈdeɪn/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in ordain?
Ordain has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (DAYN). Broken into parts: or · DAYN.
Is ordain 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 /ɔːˈdeɪn/ (aw-DAYN).