pronunciation

noun

pro·​nun·​ci·​a·​tion prə-ˌnən(t)-sē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce pronunciation (audio)
 also nonstandard  -ˌnau̇n(t)-
: the act or manner of pronouncing something
pronunciational adjective

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Is it 'pronunciation' or 'pronounciation'?

Among the various letters and emails we receive from correspondents asking for pronunciation help are a number in which pronunciation is spelled pronounciation. The confusion is understandable: the verb is pronounce, so why shouldn’t the noun be pronounciation? Both the noun and verb come ultimately from the Latin verb pronuntiare. But when the Latin verb was taken into Anglo-French and later entered Middle English, that second vowel was sometimes rendered as -u- and sometimes rendered as -ou-. This means that, from about the 1500s onward, we see evidence of both pronounciation and pronunciation in the written record. Eventually, the noun standardized to pronunciation, but because of influence from pronounce, we occasionally still see pronounciation in print, and encounter a corresponding pronunciation for pronounciation (\pruh-nown-see-AY-shun\). These facts notwithstanding, the pronounciation spelling and the pronunciation that goes with it are not considered a part of standard English, and may open one criticism or questioning.

Examples of pronunciation in a Sentence

What is the correct pronunciation of his name? I haven't learned proper pronunciation of French words.
Recent Examples on the Web Duolingo also tries not to discourage users by having Lily correct their pronunciation or grammar, noting that people get discouraged by their fear of mistakes. Richard Nieva, Forbes, 24 Sep. 2024 Meanwhile: The pronunciation of some of our main streets — Guadalupe, Menchaca — has been anglicized in the Texas style. Asher Price, Axios, 18 Sep. 2024 The most difficult part is pronunciation because Americans are very on the nose, and the French is really in the throat. Max Gao, Variety, 16 Aug. 2024 Vickers seemed impressed by the host's pronunciation. Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 16 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for pronunciation 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pronunciation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English pronunciacion, from Anglo-French pronunciation, from Latin pronuntiation-, pronuntiatio, from pronuntiare

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pronunciation was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near pronunciation

Cite this Entry

“Pronunciation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pronunciation. Accessed 14 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

pronunciation

noun
pro·​nun·​ci·​a·​tion prə-ˌnən(t)-sē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce pronunciation (audio)
: the act or way of pronouncing a word or words
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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