Accent test

How to pronounce essential

essential
/eˈsenʃəl/
3 syllables, stress on the second

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There is a second pronunciation: /iːˈsenʃəl/.

Essential, sound by sound

/e/as in bedA short “e” as in “bed”; the mouth is slightly open.
/s/as in seeTongue tip near the ridge behind the teeth, a narrow stream of air.
/e/as in bedA short “e” as in “bed”; the mouth is slightly open.
/n/as in noTongue tip on the ridge behind the teeth, air through the nose.
/ʃ/as in sheLips slightly rounded, tongue a little further back than for “s”.
/ə/as in cupA short, relaxed “uh”; the mouth is barely open.
/l/as in lookTongue tip on the ridge behind the teeth; air flows around the sides.

In a sentence

It's essential for you to practice every day.

Words that rhyme with essential

More words with the /ʌ/ sound

Questions and answers

How do you pronounce essential?

Essential is pronounced /eˈsenʃəl/ in American English. A second pronunciation, /iːˈsenʃəl/, is also used.

How many syllables are in essential?

Essential has 3 syllables.

Which syllable is stressed in essential?

The second syllable: /eˈsenʃəl/.

What rhymes with essential?

existential, experiential.

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