How to pronounce subliminal
Say it like suh-BLIM-ih-nul. Subliminal has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (BLIM).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce subliminal. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- suh
- BLIM
- ih
- nul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Subliminal pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- suhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- BLIMSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- ihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- nulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of subliminal
American and British speakers say subliminal in essentially the same way: /sʌˈblɪmɪnəl/ in the US and /sʌˈblɪmɪnəl/ in the UK.
British respelling: suh-BLIM-ih-nul.
What does subliminal mean?
- Of a stimulus, below the limen or threshold of conscious perception, especially if still able to produce a response; also (generally), below the threshold where a response can be produced.
- Of an advertisement, a message, etc.: conveyed in a manner that the viewer is unaware of being influenced by it.
- Without directed awareness or thought; subconscious (dated), unconscious.
- An advertisement, a message, etc., which is conveyed in a manner that a person is unaware of being influenced by it.
- Chiefly preceded by the: the subconscious (dated) or unconscious self.
Where does subliminal come from?
The English word is a borrowing from German subliminal or a calque of German unterschwellig (“subliminal”, literally “beneath the threshold”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying subliminal
How do you pronounce subliminal?
Say suh-BLIM-ih-nul. The American pronunciation is /sʌˈblɪmɪnəl/. In British English it is /sʌˈblɪmɪnəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in subliminal?
Subliminal has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (BLIM). Broken into parts: suh · BLIM · ih · nul.
Do Americans and Brits say subliminal the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /sʌˈblɪmɪnəl/ and the British form is /sʌˈblɪmɪnəl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.