How to Pronounce “circumstantial”

American (US)

/səɹ.kəmˈstænʃəl/

British (UK)

/səːkəmˈstanʃəl/

adjective — Pertaining to or dependent on circumstances, especially as opposed to essentials; incidental, not essential.

Where the stress falls. “circumstantial” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /səɹ.kəmˈstænʃəl/ 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.

An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /səɹ.kəmˈstænʃəl/ 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 "circumstantial" mean?

circumstantial (adjective): Pertaining to or dependent on circumstances, especially as opposed to essentials; incidental, not essential.

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

American English: /səɹ.kəmˈstænʃəl/. British English: /səːkəmˈstanʃəl/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "circumstantial"?

/səɹ.kəmˈstænʃəl/ in American English, /səːkəmˈstanʃəl/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "circumstantial"?

“circumstantial” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /səɹ.kəmˈstænʃəl/ 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.