How to Pronounce “necessary”

American (US)

/ˈnesəseri/

British (UK)

/ˈnesəsəri/

adjective — Required in order to achieve something; essential.

Example: Take whatever tools are necessary.

Synonyms: essential, required

Antonyms: optional

Where the stress falls. “necessary” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /ˈnesəseri/ 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. /ˈnesəseri/ 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 "necessary" mean?

necessary (adjective): Required in order to achieve something; essential. For example — Take whatever tools are necessary.

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

American English: /ˈnesəseri/. British English: /ˈnesəsəri/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "necessary"?

/ˈnesəseri/ in American English, /ˈnesəsəri/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "necessary"?

“necessary” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /ˈnesəseri/ 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.

• -ary and -ory endings