How to Pronounce “constitution”

American (US)

/ˌkɑn.stɪˈtu.ʃ(ə)n/

British (UK)

/ˌkɒn.stɪˈtjuː.ʃ(ə)n/

noun — The act, or process of setting something up, or establishing something; the composition or structure of such a thing; its makeup.

Where the stress falls. “constitution” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /ˌkɑn.stɪˈtu.ʃ(ə)n/ 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. /ˌkɑn.stɪˈtu.ʃ(ə)n/ 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 "constitution" mean?

constitution (noun): The act, or process of setting something up, or establishing something; the composition or structure of such a thing; its makeup.

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

American English: /ˌkɑn.stɪˈtu.ʃ(ə)n/. British English: /ˌkɒn.stɪˈtjuː.ʃ(ə)n/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "constitution"?

/ˌkɑn.stɪˈtu.ʃ(ə)n/ in American English, /ˌkɒn.stɪˈtjuː.ʃ(ə)n/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "constitution"?

“constitution” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /ˌkɑn.stɪˈtu.ʃ(ə)n/ 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.