How to pronounce substantial
Say it like sub-STAN-shul. Substantial has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (STAN).
- sub
- STAN
- shul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Substantial pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- subKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- STANSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- shulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of substantial
American and British speakers say substantial in essentially the same way: /səbˈstænʃəl/ in the US and /səbˈstænʃəl/ in the UK.
British respelling: sub-STAN-shul.
What does substantial mean?
- of considerable importance, size, or worth“won by a substantial margin”
- of or relating to the real nature or essential elements of something“a substantial argument”
- having substance or capable of being treated as fact; not imaginary“the substantial world”“a mere dream, neither substantial nor practical”
Where does substantial come from?
From Middle English substancial, substantiall, from Old French substanciel, substantiel and its etymon Latin substantiālis.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with substantial
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of substantial.
Questions about saying substantial
How do you pronounce substantial?
Say sub-STAN-shul. The American pronunciation is /səbˈstænʃəl/. In British English it is /səbˈstænʃəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in substantial?
Substantial has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (STAN). Broken into parts: sub · STAN · shul.
Do Americans and Brits say substantial the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /səbˈstænʃəl/ and the British form is /səbˈstænʃəl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.