2 syllables: Ac, ne. Stress on Ac.
AK-nee
/ˈækni/
Acne is pronounced AK-nee (/ˈækni/). It has two syllables (Ac-ne), with the stress on "Ac". Acne is a common skin condition characterized by the presence of pimples, blackheads, and oily skin, often occurring on the face, chest, and back. It results from blocked hair follicles and can range from mild to severe. In everyday usage, people refer to it when discussing dermatology, skincare routines, or teen and adult skin health.
nounAcne is a common skin condition characterized by the presence of pimples, blackheads, and oily skin, often occurring on the face, chest, and back. It results from blocked hair follicles and can range from mild to severe. In everyday usage, people refer to it when discussing dermatology, skincare routines, or teen and adult skin health.
"The dermatologist recommended a new topical treatment for her acne."
"He struggled with acne during his teens but now has clear skin."
"She asked for advice on how to prevent acne breakouts before a big event."
Pronounce as two syllables with primary stress on the first: /ˈækni/. Start with a short “a” as in cat, then a hard nasal /n/ and an initial /k/ blend before /ni/. Think “AK-nee.” In careful, slow speech, clearly release both syllables. In connected speech, the final /i/ may be less prominent. Audio resources: you can hear examples on Forvo or pronunciation sections of Cambridge/Oxford dictionaries.
Common errors include de-emphasizing the first syllable so it sounds like ‘ah-knee’ instead of ‘AK-nee,’ and running the /k/ and /n/ together too loosely, producing something like /æknəm/. Focus on a crisp /k/ before the /n/ and maintain a clear /i/ at the end. Another pitfall is vowel length: keep the /æ/ short, not a drawn-out sound. Practice with minimal pairs to solidify the correct vowel and consonant timing.
In US, UK, and AU, the core vowels are similar, /ˈækni/. Differences lie mainly in vowel quality and rhoticity in connected speech. US tends to have a slightly tenser /æ/ and clearer final /i/; UK often features a shorter, clipped /æ/ and non-rhotic tendencies in rapid speech; AU blends may lean toward a more centralized or schwa-like ending in casual talk. Overall, pace and linking influence how prominent the /k/ and /n/ sequence feels.
The challenge is the rapid /k/ followed by /n/ in /kn/ cluster and the final /i/ vowel, which can blur in fast speech. Some speakers insert extra vowels or drop the /k/ slightly. The two-consonant sequence can cause pinching of the tongue tip and back of the tongue, making it easy to mispronounce as /əkni/ or /æknə/. Focus on crisp /k/, strict /n/, and maintaining /i/ as a short, clear vowel.
Acne carries a unique two-consonant onset /ækn-/ with a rapid release into /i/. A clear articulation of /k/ before /n/ is essential, and the final /i/ should be a short, high-front vowel. The challenge for many learners is preserving the distinct /k/ and ensuring the /n/ doesn’t absorb into the next word. Practice emphasizes neat onset, clean coda, and steady vowel duration.
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Acne originates from the Latin acna, meaning a point or eruption, which in turn derives from a Proto-Greek root akin to aknē. The earliest medical usage traces to 18th-century European dermatology, though the condition itself has long affected humans across cultures. The term evolved through the Latin acnes and French acné before entering English. Historically, acne was described predominantly as “acne vulgaris” to distinguish it from other eruptions. Over time, the word broadened in common language to cover various facial and body eruptions beyond the clinical label, reflecting a shift from strictly medical terminology to layperson usage in skincare discussions.
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
Help others use "Acne" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "Acne" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Acne" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "Acne"
-ane sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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