How to pronounce punctilio
Say it like pungk-TIL-ee-oh. Punctilio has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TIL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce punctilio. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- pungk
- TIL
- ee
- oh
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Punctilio pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- pungkKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- TILSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- eeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- ohGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "o" in go.
American vs British pronunciation of punctilio
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: pungk-TIL-ee-oh.
What does punctilio mean?
- A fine point in exactness of conduct, ceremony, etiquette or procedure.
- Strictness in observance of formalities.
Where does punctilio come from?
From Italian puntiglio, or Spanish puntillo, diminutive from Latin pūnctum (“point”).
Questions about saying punctilio
How do you pronounce punctilio?
Say pungk-TIL-ee-oh. The American pronunciation is /pʌŋkˈtɪliˌoʊ/. In British English it is /pʌŋkˈtɪliˌəʊ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in punctilio?
Punctilio has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TIL). Broken into parts: pungk · TIL · ee · oh.
Is punctilio pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh". The British form is /pʌŋkˈtɪliˌəʊ/ (pungk-TIL-ee-oh).