How to Pronounce “acknowledge”

American (US)

/əkˈnɑ.lɪd͡ʒ/

British (UK)

/əkˈnɒl.ɪd͡ʒ/

verb — To accept or admit the truth of something, or to confirm receipt of it.

Example: She acknowledged the mistake immediately.

Synonyms: admit, recognise

Antonyms: deny

The final e is silent. The transcription /əkˈnɑ.lɪd͡ʒ/ ends on a consonant sound, so the written e at the end of “acknowledge” is not pronounced.

Where the stress falls. “acknowledge” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /əkˈnɑ.lɪd͡ʒ/ 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. /əkˈnɑ.lɪd͡ʒ/ 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 "acknowledge" mean?

acknowledge (verb): To accept or admit the truth of something, or to confirm receipt of it. For example — She acknowledged the mistake immediately.

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

American English: /əkˈnɑ.lɪd͡ʒ/. British English: /əkˈnɒl.ɪd͡ʒ/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "acknowledge"?

/əkˈnɑ.lɪd͡ʒ/ in American English, /əkˈnɒl.ɪd͡ʒ/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "acknowledge"?

“acknowledge” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /əkˈnɑ.lɪd͡ʒ/ 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.