How to Pronounce “abdominal”

American (US)

/æbˈdɑm.ə.nl̩/

British (UK)

/æbˈdɒm.ə.nl̩/

adjective — Of or pertaining to the abdomen; ventral.

Example: abdominal muscles.

Where the stress falls. “abdominal” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /æbˈdɑm.ə.nl̩/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the second one — so the second syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /æbˈdɑm.ə.nl̩/ contains a schwa /ə/ — the short, neutral “uh” that English unstressed syllables collapse into. Saying /ə/ there, instead of the vowel the spelling suggests, is most of what makes the word sound native.

What does "abdominal" mean?

abdominal (adjective): Of or pertaining to the abdomen; ventral. For example — abdominal muscles.

How do you pronounce "abdominal" in American vs British English?

American English: /æbˈdɑm.ə.nl̩/. British English: /æbˈdɒm.ə.nl̩/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "abdominal"?

/æbˈdɑm.ə.nl̩/ in American English, /æbˈdɒm.ə.nl̩/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "abdominal"?

“abdominal” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /æbˈdɑm.ə.nl̩/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the second one — so the second syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.