How to Pronounce “acquiesce”

American (US)

/ˌækwiˈɛs/

British (UK)

/ˌækwiˈɛs/

verb — To accept something reluctantly but without protest.

Example: He acquiesced rather than reopen the argument.

Synonyms: consent, comply

Antonyms: resist, object

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

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

What does "acquiesce" mean?

acquiesce (verb): To accept something reluctantly but without protest. For example — He acquiesced rather than reopen the argument.

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

Both accents use the same sequence of phonemes for "acquiesce", /ˌækwiˈɛs/, so the difference you hear is in how the vowels are coloured rather than in which sounds are used. Play both on this page to compare.

What is the IPA transcription of "acquiesce"?

/ˌækwiˈɛs/ in American English, /ˌækwiˈɛs/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "acquiesce"?

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