pronunciation

IPA/prəˌnʌnsiˈeɪʃn/
KK[pronˌʌnsiˈeʃən]IPA/prəˌnʌnsiˈeɪʃn/

pronunciation — noun

  • pronunciationsingular
  • pronunciationsplural

1. how a word or language sounds when people say it, including which speech sounds

1.nounB1
Definition

how a word or language sounds when people say it, including which speech sounds are made and where the stress falls

Example

Cyrus practiced the pronunciation of the French word 'croissant' before ordering at the café.

collocation: practice the pronunciation of [word]

The teacher said Gabriela's pronunciation of English had become much clearer after her summer course.

Common collocations
  • practice your pronunciation
  • correct pronunciation
  • improve your pronunciation
  • standard pronunciation
  • pronunciation of [word]
  • British / American pronunciation
  • pronunciation guide
  • perfect your pronunciation
Synonyms
  • accent

    refers to the overall sound pattern shaped by region or social group, not just individual sounds

  • articulation

    more technical; focuses on how the mouth and tongue form each sound

  • enunciation

    emphasises speaking each syllable clearly, sometimes slowly

Usage Note

Used as an uncountable noun when discussing the general concept ('Pronunciation matters in language learning'), and as a countable noun when referring to a specific way of saying a word ('There are two pronunciations of 'either'') or a person's characteristic style ('She has a very clear pronunciation').

Common Mistakes

The pronounciation of this word is hard.
The pronunciation of this word is hard.
the correct spelling is 'pronunci-', not 'pronounci-'.
Good pronounce is important.
Good pronunciation is important.
'pronounce' is the verb; the noun form is 'pronunciation'.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Pronunciation is the broadest term, covering all aspects of how sounds, words, and emphasis are produced in speech. Accent refers specifically to the regional or social patterns that colour someone's pronunciation (a Southern accent, a French accent) but does not address sound-by-sound accuracy. Articulation is a more technical term for how the tongue, lips, and palate shape individual speech sounds. Enunciation focuses on speaking each syllable clearly and distinctly — teachers often tell students to 'enunciate' when they mumble. Diction combines word choice with clarity of speech, but in language learning it leans toward crisp, correct pronunciation. Example: a learner's pronunciation might be accurate word-by-word, but their British accent makes their articulation of 'water' sound different from an American speaker's; a drama coach would work on their enunciation so every syllable of 'formidable' is heard.

accent ↗diction ↗articulationenunciation ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • pronunciation of a word
  • good / bad pronunciation
  • British / American pronunciation

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

Pronunciation comes from Latin pronuntiatio ('a proclamation, a declaration'), from pronuntiare 'to announce, to proclaim'. The meaning narrowed over time from 'public announcement' to 'the way words are spoken'. The verb pronounce entered English earlier, in the 14th century; pronunciation followed in the 15th century.