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How to pronounce Imbecile

How to Pronounce "Imbecile"

Definition: How to say "Imbecile" and use it in a sentence

Phonetic Spelling:

im-buh-suhl, pronounced as im-buh-suhl

How to say "Imbecile" correctly

Here are some definitions of Imbecile.

  • A person of subnormal intelligence
  • A person of the second order in a former classification of mental retardation, above the level of idiocy, having a mental age of seven or eight years and an intelligence quotient of 25 to 50
  • A person of the third order in a former classification of mental retardation, above the level of idiocy, having a mental age of seven or eight years and an intelligence quotient of 25 to 50
  • A person of the lowest order in a former classification of mental retardation, having a mental age of less than three years old
  • A fool or idiot

Practice using Imbecile correctly with the following examples:

  • He was often mocked for his imbecile behavior.
  • The imbecile decision cost the company millions of dollars.
  • She felt like an imbecile for forgetting her own birthday.
  • The imbecile ramblings of the politician made headlines.
  • The teacher struggled to teach the imbecile student basic math concepts.

Words close in sound to Imbecile:

Imbecility, Imbed, Imbibe, Imbalance, Imbecilic, Imbricate, Imbecilism, Imbedded, Imbiber, Imblaze,

Synonyms for Imbecile

Idiot, Fool, Moron, Simpleton, Dunce, Dolt, Nitwit, Blockhead, Halfwit, Dimwit,

Antonyms for Imbecile

Genius, Brainiac, Intellectual, Savant, Prodigy, Mastermind, Whiz, Virtuoso, Sage, Scholar,

Review Imbecile
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Ways to improve your pronunciation

Here are a couple of techniques that should help you perfect your pronunciation of ‘Imbecile‘:

  • Break down ‘Imbecile’ into each individual sound, say it aloud whilst exaggerating the sounds until you can consistently say it without mistakes.
  • Record ‘Imbecile‘ in a full sentence and then watch or listen back. You should be able to find all of your mistakes quite easily.
  • Find tutorials on Youtube for how to pronounce ‘Imbecile‘ correctly.
  • Choose a single accent: mixing multiple accents can sometimes get really confusing, and not just beginners. So select one accent, perhaps UK and stick to it.


A few more ideas to boost your English pronunciation skills, consider embrace these strategies:

Practicing verbal shortening in speech is normal in the U.S. and is seen as a natural part of informal dialogue. For instance, altering “what are you going to do this weekend” to “what you gonna do this weekend” is standard practice. Look into terms like ‘gonna’ and ‘wanna’ for more understanding.

Improving your intonation is vital for English fluency. The patterns of stress, rhythm, and pitch in English are key in communicating your message and feelings. Numerous resources and videos on Youtube can help you in understanding these elements to pronounce ‘Imbecile’.

Engage with a number of Youtube channels dedicated to English learning. These platforms offer free resources that tackle essential language skills. Pronounce.tv is another outstanding source for honing your pronunciation.

Imitating native speakers can significantly improve your pronunciation. Listen to how they articulate ‘Imbecile’ and attempt to replicate the tone, speed, and rhythm in your speech, making it habitual.

Incorporate phonetic exercises into your daily practice. Getting to know and practicing the phonetic sounds of English can help you improve your pronunciation of words that are difficult or unfamiliar.

Frequently practice English in your daily conversations. The more you speak, the more adept you’ll become with the nuances of pronunciation and accent, boosting your overall ability to communicate.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do Australians typically pronounce the word imbecile?

In Australia, the word “imbecile” is typically pronounced as “IM-buh-suhl.” The emphasis is usually placed on the first syllable, with a short “i” sound. The “b” is pronounced clearly, and the final syllable is pronounced as “suhl” with a short “u” sound. Australian English tends to have a more relaxed pronunciation compared to other English dialects, so the word may sound slightly different when spoken by Australians.

How do you use imbecile in a sentence?

The word “imbecile” is used to describe someone who is foolish, stupid, or lacking intelligence. It can be used in a sentence to point out someone’s lack of common sense or rational behavior. For example, “He drank too much and started acting like a complete imbecile.” In this sentence, “imbecile” is used to emphasize the person’s foolish and irrational behavior due to excessive drinking. Overall, using “imbecile” in a sentence helps to convey a strong sense of someone’s lack of intelligence or poor judgment.

How do British people say imbecile?

In British English, the word “imbecile” is typically pronounced as “im-buh-seel” with the stress on the second syllable. The pronunciation may vary slightly depending on the regional accent within the UK, but this is the most common way it is spoken. It is important to note that the term “imbecile” is considered to be outdated and offensive when used to describe someone with intellectual disabilities. It is best to avoid using this word and instead choose more respectful and inclusive language.

Are there different pronunciations of imbecile in American English versus British English?

Yes, there can be differences in the pronunciation of “imbecile” between American English and British English. In American English, the word is typically pronounced as “IM-buh-seel” with the stress on the first syllable. In British English, the pronunciation may vary slightly, with some speakers pronouncing it as “IM-buh-suhl” or “IM-buh-sighl” with a slightly different stress pattern. Overall, the differences in pronunciation are relatively minor and may vary depending on regional accents within each country.

Is there a preferred pronunciation of imbecile in academic circles?

In academic circles, there is not a preferred pronunciation of the word “imbecile.” The pronunciation of words can vary based on regional dialects and individual speech patterns. However, the generally accepted pronunciation of “imbecile” is im-buh-suhl, with the stress on the second syllable. It is important to note that language is constantly evolving, and pronunciations can change over time. As long as the pronunciation is clear and understood by the audience, variations in pronunciation are generally accepted in academic settings.

Is there a specific way to pronounce imbecile in formal settings?

In formal settings, the pronunciation of the word “imbecile” should follow standard English pronunciation guidelines. The word “imbecile” is typically pronounced as im-buh-suhl, with the emphasis on the second syllable. It is important to enunciate each syllable clearly and avoid any regional accents or informal speech patterns when pronouncing the word in a formal setting. Remember to speak confidently and clearly to ensure that your pronunciation is easily understood by others.

Do actors tend to alter the pronunciation of imbecile when performing on stage?

When performing on stage, actors typically follow the script as written, including the pronunciation of words. The pronunciation of a word like “imbecile” would be determined by the playwright’s intentions and the character’s background or dialect. Actors may work with a dialect coach or director to ensure they are pronouncing words correctly and staying true to the character they are portraying. In some cases, if the character is meant to have a specific accent or speech pattern, the actor may alter the pronunciation of certain words to stay consistent with the character’s portrayal. Ultimately, the decision to alter the pronunciation of a word like “imbecile” would depend on the artistic choices made by the actor and creative team involved in the production.

What is the meaning of the word imbecile?

The word “imbecile” is used to describe someone who is extremely stupid or foolish. It is often used informally as an insult to denote a lack of intelligence or common sense. The term originated from the Latin word “imbecille,” which means weak or feeble. Historically, “imbecile” was also an official medical term used to describe individuals with a specific and low level of intelligence quotient (I.Q.). Today, the word is considered derogatory and offensive when used to describe someone’s mental capacity, and it is more commonly used as a general insult to criticize someone’s intelligence or decision-making abilities.

What is the accepted pronunciation of imbecile in the field of phonetics?

In the field of phonetics, the accepted pronunciation of “imbecile” is typically transcribed as /ˈɪmbəsɪl/ in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). This transcription breaks down the word into its individual sounds: /ˈɪm/ for the first syllable, /bə/ for the second syllable, and /sɪl/ for the final syllable. The stress is placed on the second syllable, as indicated by the apostrophe before the “b” in the transcription. This pronunciation guide is used by linguists and language professionals to accurately represent the sounds of words in a standardized way, allowing for consistent and precise communication about pronunciation across languages and dialects.

In which dialect is the word imbecile pronounced as imBISul?

The pronunciation of the word “imbecile” as “imBISul” is not associated with any recognized dialect of English. The standard pronunciation of “imbecile” is typically with the stress on the second syllable, as in “IM-buh-seel.” It is possible that the pronunciation “imBISul” could be a regional or individual variation, a mispronunciation, or a result of a speech impediment. Dialects can vary in pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar, but there is no widely known dialect in which “imbecile” is consistently pronounced as “imBISul.”

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