How to pronounce renaissance
Say it like ren-uh-SAHNS. Renaissance has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (SAHNS).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce renaissance. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ren
- uh
- SAHNS
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Tip: Americans say 'REN-uh-sahns'; Britons usually 'ruh-NAY-suns'.
Renaissance pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- renGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- SAHNSSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
American vs British pronunciation of renaissance
- The stress moves: Americans stress syllable 3, while British speakers stress syllable 2.
British respelling: ruh-NAY-suns.
What does renaissance mean?
- A rebirth or revival.
Where does renaissance come from?
Borrowed from French renaissance.
Words that rhyme with renaissance
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of renaissance.
Questions about saying renaissance
How do you pronounce renaissance?
Say ren-uh-SAHNS. The American pronunciation is /ˌrɛnəˈsɑns/. In British English it is /rəˈneɪsəns/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in renaissance?
Renaissance has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (SAHNS). Broken into parts: ren · uh · SAHNS.
Is renaissance pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The stress moves: Americans stress syllable 3, while British speakers stress syllable 2. The British form is /rəˈneɪsəns/ (ruh-NAY-suns).