How to pronounce vitriol
Say it like VIT-ree-ul. Vitriol has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (VIT).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce vitriol. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- VIT
- ree
- ul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Vitriol pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- VITSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- reeKeep 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 vitriol
American and British speakers say vitriol in essentially the same way: /ˈvɪtriəl/ in the US and /ˈvɪtriəl/ in the UK.
British respelling: VIT-ree-ul.
What does vitriol mean?
- Any of various metal sulphates.
- oil of vitriol (sulfuric acid).
- Bitterly abusive language.
- To subject to bitter verbal abuse.
- To dip in dilute sulfuric acid; to pickle.
- To vitriolize.
Where does vitriol come from?
From Middle English vitriol, from Old French vitriol, from Medieval Latin vitriolum (“sulfuric acid”), from vitrum (“glass”).
Questions about saying vitriol
How do you pronounce vitriol?
Say VIT-ree-ul. The American pronunciation is /ˈvɪtriəl/. In British English it is /ˈvɪtriəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in vitriol?
Vitriol has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (VIT). Broken into parts: VIT · ree · ul.
Do Americans and Brits say vitriol the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈvɪtriəl/ and the British form is /ˈvɪtriəl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.