How to Pronounce “challenge”
Free audio in American, British, and Australian English.
▶ Hear it pronouncedIPA Transcription
- American (US)
- /ˈt͡ʃæl.ɪnd͡ʒ/
- British (UK)
- /ˈt͡ʃæl.ɪnd͡ʒ/
What “challenge” means
noun — A confrontation; a dare.
Example: a challenge to the king's authority.
Pronunciation Notes
The final e is silent. The transcription /ˈt͡ʃæl.ɪnd͡ʒ/ ends on a consonant sound, so the written e at the end of “challenge” is not pronounced.
Where the stress falls. “challenge” has 2 syllables, and the transcription /ˈt͡ʃæl.ɪnd͡ʒ/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the first one — so the first syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "challenge" mean?
challenge (noun): A confrontation; a dare. For example — a challenge to the king's authority.
How do you pronounce "challenge" in American vs British English?
Both accents use the same sequence of phonemes for "challenge", /ˈt͡ʃæl.ɪnd͡ʒ/, 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 "challenge"?
/ˈt͡ʃæl.ɪnd͡ʒ/ in American English, /ˈt͡ʃæl.ɪnd͡ʒ/ in British English.
Which syllable is stressed in "challenge"?
“challenge” has 2 syllables, and the transcription /ˈt͡ʃæl.ɪnd͡ʒ/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the first one — so the first syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.
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