How to pronounce quintessential
Say it like kwin-tih-SEN-shul. Quintessential has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (SEN).
- kwin
- tih
- SEN
- shul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Quintessential pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- kwinGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- tihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- SENSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- shulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of quintessential
American and British speakers say quintessential in essentially the same way: /ˌkwɪntɪˈsɛnʃəl/ in the US and /ˌkwɪntɪˈsɛnʃəl/ in the UK.
British respelling: kwin-tih-SEN-shul.
What does quintessential mean?
- Of the nature of a quintessence (in all senses); being or relating to the ultimate essence of something.
- The fundamental essence of something.
Where does quintessential come from?
From quintessence + -al.
Words that rhyme with quintessential
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of quintessential.
- potential
- presidential
- residential
- influential
- confidential
- differential
- existential
- exponential
- sequential
- preferential
Questions about saying quintessential
How do you pronounce quintessential?
Say kwin-tih-SEN-shul. The American pronunciation is /ˌkwɪntɪˈsɛnʃəl/. In British English it is /ˌkwɪntɪˈsɛnʃəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in quintessential?
Quintessential has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (SEN). Broken into parts: kwin · tih · SEN · shul.
Do Americans and Brits say quintessential the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌkwɪntɪˈsɛnʃəl/ and the British form is /ˌkwɪntɪˈsɛnʃəl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.