How to pronounce venal
Say it like VEE-nul. Venal has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (VEE).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce venal. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- VEE
- nul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Venal pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- VEESay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- nulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of venal
American and British speakers say venal in essentially the same way: /ˈvinəl/ in the US and /ˈviːnəl/ in the UK.
British respelling: VEE-nul.
What does venal mean?
- Of a position, privilege etc.: available for purchase rather than assigned on merit.
- Capable of being bought (of a person); willing to take bribes.
- Corrupt, mercenary.
Where does venal come from?
Borrowed from French vénal, from Old French venel, from Latin vēnālis (“for sale”), from vēnum (“something for sale”); compare English vend.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with venal
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of venal.
Questions about saying venal
How do you pronounce venal?
Say VEE-nul. The American pronunciation is /ˈvinəl/. In British English it is /ˈviːnəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in venal?
Venal has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (VEE). Broken into parts: VEE · nul.
Do Americans and Brits say venal the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈvinəl/ and the British form is /ˈviːnəl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.