How to pronounce semicentennial
Say it like sem-eyesn-TEN-ee-ul. Semicentennial has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (TEN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce semicentennial. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- sem
- eyesn
- TEN
- ee
- ul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Semicentennial pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- semGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- eyesnGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in time.
- TENSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- eeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- ulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of semicentennial
- The stress moves: Americans stress syllable 3, while British speakers stress syllable 4.
British respelling: sem-ih-sen-TEN-eerl.
What does semicentennial mean?
- Of or related to a 50th anniversary, occurring every 50 years.
- A 50th anniversary.“The city celebrated its semicentennial last year.”
Where does semicentennial come from?
From semi- (“half”) + centennial (“100 year, 100th anniversary”), q.v.
Words that rhyme with semicentennial
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of semicentennial.
Questions about saying semicentennial
How do you pronounce semicentennial?
Say sem-eyesn-TEN-ee-ul. The American pronunciation is /ˌsɛˌmaɪsnˈtɛniəl/. In British English it is /ˌsɛmɪsɛnˈtɛnɪəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in semicentennial?
Semicentennial has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (TEN). Broken into parts: sem · eyesn · TEN · ee · ul.
Is semicentennial pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The stress moves: Americans stress syllable 3, while British speakers stress syllable 4. The British form is /ˌsɛmɪsɛnˈtɛnɪəl/ (sem-ih-sen-TEN-eerl).