How to pronounce pontifical
Say it like pahn-TIF-ih-kul. Pontifical has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TIF).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce pontifical. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- pahn
- TIF
- ih
- kul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Pontifical pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- pahnKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- TIFSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- ihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- kulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of pontifical
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: pon-TIF-ih-kul.
What does pontifical mean?
- A book containing the offices, or formulas, used by a pontiff.
- Of or pertaining to a bishop; episcopal.
- Of or pertaining to a pope; papal.
- Pompous, dignified or dogmatic.
Where does pontifical come from?
Learned borrowing from Latin pontificālis.
Questions about saying pontifical
How do you pronounce pontifical?
Say pahn-TIF-ih-kul. The American pronunciation is /pɑnˈtɪfɪkəl/. In British English it is /pɒnˈtɪfɪkəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in pontifical?
Pontifical has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TIF). Broken into parts: pahn · TIF · ih · kul.
Is pontifical 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 /pɒnˈtɪfɪkəl/ (pon-TIF-ih-kul).