How to Pronounce “circumscribe”

American (US)

/ˈsɝ.kəm.skɹaɪb/

British (UK)

/ˈsɜː.kəm.skɹaɪb/

verb — To draw a line around; to encircle.

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

Where the stress falls. “circumscribe” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˈsɝ.kəm.skɹaɪb/ 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.

An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /ˈsɝ.kəm.skɹaɪb/ 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 "circumscribe" mean?

circumscribe (verb): To draw a line around; to encircle.

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

American English: /ˈsɝ.kəm.skɹaɪb/. British English: /ˈsɜː.kəm.skɹaɪb/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "circumscribe"?

/ˈsɝ.kəm.skɹaɪb/ in American English, /ˈsɜː.kəm.skɹaɪb/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "circumscribe"?

“circumscribe” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˈsɝ.kəm.skɹaɪb/ 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.