How to pronounce reformation
Say it like ref-er-MAY-shun. Reformation has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (MAY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce reformation. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ref
- er
- MAY
- shun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Reformation pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- refGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- erKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- MAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- shunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of reformation
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: ref-uh-MAY-shun.
What does reformation mean?
- improvement (or an intended improvement) in the existing form or condition of institutions or practices etc.; intended to make a striking change for the better in social or political or religious affairs
- a religious movement of the 16th century that began as an attempt to reform the Roman Catholic Church and resulted in the creation of Protestant churches
- rescuing from error and returning to a rightful course“the reclamation of delinquent children”
Where does reformation come from?
From Middle English reformacioun, reformation, from Middle French reformation and Latin refōrmātiō, refōrmātiōnis (“reform, change”), from refōrmō (“transform, reshape”), from re- + fōrmō (“shape, form”).
Words that rhyme with reformation
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of reformation.
Questions about saying reformation
How do you pronounce reformation?
Say ref-er-MAY-shun. The American pronunciation is /ˌrɛfɚˈmeɪʃən/. In British English it is /ˌrɛfəˈmeɪʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in reformation?
Reformation has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (MAY). Broken into parts: ref · er · MAY · shun.
Is reformation 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 /ˌrɛfəˈmeɪʃən/ (ref-uh-MAY-shun).