How to Pronounce “ineffable”

American (US)

/ˌɪnˈɛf.ə.bəl/

British (UK)

/ɪˈnɛf.ə.bəl/

adjective — Beyond expression in words; unspeakable.

The final e is silent. The transcription /ˌɪnˈɛf.ə.bəl/ ends on a consonant sound, so the written e at the end of “ineffable” is not pronounced.

Where the stress falls. “ineffable” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /ˌɪnˈɛf.ə.bəl/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the second one — so the second syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /ˌɪnˈɛf.ə.bəl/ 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 "ineffable" mean?

ineffable (adjective): Beyond expression in words; unspeakable.

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

American English: /ˌɪnˈɛf.ə.bəl/. British English: /ɪˈnɛf.ə.bəl/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "ineffable"?

/ˌɪnˈɛf.ə.bəl/ in American English, /ɪˈnɛf.ə.bəl/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "ineffable"?

“ineffable” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /ˌɪnˈɛf.ə.bəl/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the second one — so the second syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.