How to pronounce retribution
Say it like ret-ruh-BYOO-shun. Retribution has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (BYOO).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce retribution. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ret
- ruh
- BYOO
- shun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Retribution pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- retGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- ruhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- BYOOSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "oo" in food.
- shunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of retribution
American and British speakers say retribution in essentially the same way: /ˌrɛtrəˈbjuʃən/ in the US and /ˌrɛtrəˈbjuːʃən/ in the UK.
British respelling: ret-ruh-BYOO-shun.
What does retribution mean?
- Punishment inflicted in the spirit of moral outrage or personal vengeance.
Where does retribution come from?
From Latin retribuere (“repay”).
Words that rhyme with retribution
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of retribution.
- solution
- distribution
- resolution
- constitution
- revolution
- evolution
- institution
- contribution
- execution
- pollution
Questions about saying retribution
How do you pronounce retribution?
Say ret-ruh-BYOO-shun. The American pronunciation is /ˌrɛtrəˈbjuʃən/. In British English it is /ˌrɛtrəˈbjuːʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in retribution?
Retribution has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (BYOO). Broken into parts: ret · ruh · BYOO · shun.
Do Americans and Brits say retribution the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌrɛtrəˈbjuʃən/ and the British form is /ˌrɛtrəˈbjuːʃən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.