How to pronounce vile
Say it like VYLE. Vile is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress.
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce vile. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- VYLE
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Vile pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- VYLESay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in time.
American vs British pronunciation of vile
American and British speakers say vile in essentially the same way: /vaɪl/ in the US and /vaɪl/ in the UK.
British respelling: VYLE.
What does vile mean?
- morally reprehensible“would do something as despicable as murder”“ugly crimes”
- causing or able to cause nausea“a nauseating smell”“nauseous offal”
Where does vile come from?
From Middle English vile, vyle, vyl, from Anglo-Norman ville, Old French vil, vile, from Latin vīlis.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with vile
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of vile.
Questions about saying vile
How do you pronounce vile?
Say VYLE. The American pronunciation is /vaɪl/. In British English it is /vaɪl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in vile?
Vile is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress. Broken into parts: VYLE.
Do Americans and Brits say vile the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /vaɪl/ and the British form is /vaɪl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.