How to Pronounce “curriculum vitae”

American (US)

/kəˌrɪkjələm ˈviːtaɪ/

British (UK)

/kəˌrɪkjʊləm ˈviːtaɪ/

noun — A written account of one's life comprising one's education, accomplishments, work experience, publications, etc.; especially, one used to apply for a job.

Where the stress falls. “curriculum vitae” has 6 syllables, and the transcription /kəˌrɪkjələm ˈviːtaɪ/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the fifth one — so the fifth syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /kəˌrɪkjələm ˈviːtaɪ/ 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 "curriculum vitae" mean?

curriculum vitae (noun): A written account of one's life comprising one's education, accomplishments, work experience, publications, etc.; especially, one used to apply for a job.

How do you pronounce "curriculum vitae" in American vs British English?

American English: /kəˌrɪkjələm ˈviːtaɪ/. British English: /kəˌrɪkjʊləm ˈviːtaɪ/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "curriculum vitae"?

/kəˌrɪkjələm ˈviːtaɪ/ in American English, /kəˌrɪkjʊləm ˈviːtaɪ/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "curriculum vitae"?

“curriculum vitae” has 6 syllables, and the transcription /kəˌrɪkjələm ˈviːtaɪ/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the fifth one — so the fifth syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.