3 syllables: con, sult, ing. Stress on sult.
kuhn-SUHL-ting
/kəˈnsʌltɪŋ/
consulting is pronounced kuhn-SUHL-ting (/kəˈnsʌltɪŋ/). It has three syllables (con-sult-ing), with the stress on "sult". Consulting refers to the professional practice of giving expert advice within a particular field, often aimed at helping organizations solve problems, optimize performance, or implement strategies. It encompasses advisory services, analysis, and recommendations delivered to clients, frequently on a project basis. The term also implies ongoing client interaction, assessment, and knowledge transfer.
Consulting refers to the professional practice of giving expert advice within a particular field, often aimed at helping organizations solve problems, optimize performance, or implement strategies. It encompasses advisory services, analysis, and recommendations delivered to clients, frequently on a project basis. The term also implies ongoing client interaction, assessment, and knowledge transfer.
"The consulting firm helped streamline our operations and reduce costs."
"She pursued a career in consulting after years of industry experience."
"We engaged external consultants to validate our strategic plan."
Pronounce as kən-SUL-ting in US and UK; US IPA: /kənˈsəlˌtɪŋ/, UK: /kənˈsʌl.tɪŋ/. The primary stress is on the second syllable - SUL - with a light final -ing. The first syllable is reduced to /kən/ and the middle consonant cluster is /səl/ or /ˈsʌl/. Ensure the tongue lightly taps the alveolar /s/ and the 't' is a clear, light flap in rapid speech. Overall, keep the flow smooth and avoid over-articulating the final -ing.
Common errors: (1) stressing the wrong syllable (say CON-sult-ing instead of con-SULT-ing); (2) blending or collapsing the middle /l/ with the preceding /s/ making /səl/ sound like /sɫ/; (3) pronouncing the final -ing as a full syllable with a hard /g/ instead of the light -tɪŋ. Correction tips: keep the /ˈsəl/ middle syllable clear with a short, unstressed schwa in the first syllable and a crisp, quick /t/ for -ting. Practice minimal pairs like ‘consult’ vs ‘consulting’ to hear the extra syllable and stress shift.
US: /kənˈsəlˌtɪŋ/ with a rhotic, light /r/ absent; vowel in /ə/ reduced in first syllable. UK: /kənˈsʌl.tɪŋ/ with shorter /ɪ/ in final and a more clipped /t/ transition; non-rhotic often; AU: /kənˈsʌl.tɪŋ/ similar to UK but with broader vowel quality and a slightly broader /ɐ/ in some speakers. Across all, primary stress on the second syllable, but rhythm and vowel quality vary subtly by accent: US tends to a darker /ə/ and clearer /l/; UK/AU favor more fronted /ʌ/ or /ɐ/ depending on speaker.
Two key challenges: (1) the cluster /ˈsəl/ involves a light, quick transition from /s/ to a dark /l/ that can blur in rapid speech; (2) the staccato -ting ending requires a short /t/ followed by a reduced /ɪŋ/ that doesn’t yield a full vowel. Position your tongue for a crisp /t/ without flaring the jaw and keep the /ɪŋ/ short and nasal. IPA cues: /kənˈsəlˌtɪŋ/; practice with diminis period before -tɪŋ to keep the syllable compact.
There's a noticeable shift in secondary stress pattern in connected speech: in rapid speech, you may hear a weaker cue on the first syllable, with the middle /ˈsəl/ carrying the main audible beat. Also, some speakers vocalize the final /ŋ/ as a nasal stop without a full vowel before it. Focus on maintaining distinct /s/ and /l/ and keeping the /t/ crisp to avoid a merged ending.
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The word consulting comes from the verb consult, which itself derives from the Latin consultāre, meaning to seek advice, discuss, or consider. The noun form consulting emerged in English in the 18th–19th centuries as a descriptor for the act or profession of giving advice. The root consult- traces to con- (together) + selere (to consult, consider, discuss), reflecting the practice of turning to others for guidance. Over time, the meaning narrowed to professional advisory work offered by consultants and firms, distinguishing it from internal advice or casual consultation. The term gained prominence with the rise of management consulting in the 20th century, as organizations increasingly relied on external experts for strategy, process improvement, and organizational design. First known uses appear in business writing and casebooks from the late 1800s and early 1900s, evolving to the modern sense of a formalized service industry. Today, consulting encompasses a broad range of sectors, including management, IT, financial, and operations consulting, often characterized by project-based engagements, client-facing reports, and expert recommendations.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "consulting" and can often be used interchangeably.
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Words that rhyme with "consulting"
-ing sounds
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