How to Pronounce “consequence”

American (US)

/ˈkɑn.sɪ.kwəns/

British (UK)

/ˈkɒn.sɪ.kwəns/

Australian (AU)

/ˈkɔn.sɪ.kwəns/

noun — An effect; something that follows a cause as a result.

Example: I'm warning you. If you don't get me the report on time, there will be consequences.

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

Where the stress falls. “consequence” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˈkɑn.sɪ.kwəns/ 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. /ˈkɑn.sɪ.kwəns/ 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 "consequence" mean?

consequence (noun): An effect; something that follows a cause as a result. For example — I'm warning you. If you don't get me the report on time, there will be consequences.

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

American English: /ˈkɑn.sɪ.kwəns/. British English: /ˈkɒn.sɪ.kwəns/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "consequence"?

/ˈkɑn.sɪ.kwəns/ in American English, /ˈkɒn.sɪ.kwəns/ in British English, /ˈkɔn.sɪ.kwəns/ in Australian English.

Which syllable is stressed in "consequence"?

“consequence” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˈkɑn.sɪ.kwəns/ 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.