3 syllables: E, la, vil. Stress on E.
EL-uh-vil
/ˈɛl.ə.vɪl/
Elavil is pronounced EL-uh-vil (/ˈɛl.ə.vɪl/). It has three syllables (E-la-vil), with the stress on "E". Elavil is a brand-name antidepressant (amitriptyline) used to treat major depressive disorders and certain types of nerve pain. It is typically prescribed for its mood-stabilizing effects and pain-relief properties, often in adult patients. Usage requires medical supervision due to potential side effects and interactions, and it is not intended for short-term relief of acute mood symptoms.
nounElavil is a brand-name antidepressant (amitriptyline) used to treat major depressive disorders and certain types of nerve pain. It is typically prescribed for its mood-stabilizing effects and pain-relief properties, often in adult patients. Usage requires medical supervision due to potential side effects and interactions, and it is not intended for short-term relief of acute mood symptoms.
- You may inadvertently stress the first syllable (E-la-vil) or make the middle vowel too long; correct by practicing /ˌiˈlæ.vɪl/ with a strong, short /æ/ in LA. - You might blend the syllables too quickly, resulting in /ˌɛlˈævɪl/; slow down to e-LA-vil, then speed up gradually while keeping the second syllable prominent. - Mispronouncing the ending consonant as /l/ with an overtly aspirated release; aim for a light, crisp final /l/ with no extra consonant.”,
"I spoke with my clinician about switching to Elavil after finding newer medications less effective."
"The pharmacist warned about drowsiness when taking Elavil with alcohol."
"Elavil can take several weeks to reach its full antidepressant effect."
Elavil is pronounced e-LA-vil, with the primary stress on the second syllable. The IPA for US is /ˌɛˈlæ.vɪl/ or more simply /ˌeɪˈlaɪ.vəl/? (Note: Brand pronounces as /ˌiːˈlæ.vɪl/?). In standard practice, you’ll hear /ˌiːˈlæ.vɪl/ or /ˌɛˈlæ.vɪl/. The key is stressing the second syllable, ending with a clear ‘l’.
Common mistakes include stressing the first syllable (E-lay-vil) and mispronouncing the middle vowel as a long ‘i’ (vil as 'veel' or 'vyl'). Another error is blending the second and third syllables too quickly, producing /ˈiːlɪvɪl/. Correct by emphasizing the second syllable: e-LA-vil, with a short 'a' in LA and a clear final 'l'.
In US and UK, the second syllable carries primary stress: e-LA-vil. Vowel quality differs: US often uses a lax /æ/ in LA, UK may tilt toward /æ/ as well but with slightly rounded articulation. The final 'il' tends to be a short /ɪl/ in both. Australian pronunciation mirrors UK US patterns but can feature a more centralized vowel in the first syllable. Overall, the rhythm and stress pattern remain consistent, with subtle vowel shifts.
The difficulty comes from the stress placement (second syllable) and the quick, unobvious vowel in the middle: /æ/ versus /ə/ and the final /l/. For non-native speakers, the challenge is maintaining a clear /æ/ in LA while not reducing the middle syllable. Also, the brand name can sound aspirated or clipped depending on rhythm. Focus on isolating each syllable: e-LA-vil, then link smoothly.
Elavil ends with a soft silent-like final 'l' sound in many pronunciations, the tip of the tongue lightly touching the alveolar ridge before releasing to a short /l/. The second syllable vowels are short and punchy: /æ/ or /æ/ similar to 'cat'. Practicing with minimal pairs like 'apple' vs 'Elavil' can help align the mouth for the second syllable. You’ll hear a crisp final L when spoken by clinicians.
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- US: emphasize rhotics subtly; vowel in LA tends toward /æ/ and the final /l/ is clear but not too dark. IPA: /ˌiˈlævɪl/ or /ˌɛˈlævɪl/. - UK: similar stress; slightly clipped rhythm; maintain short /æ/ and a clear final /l/ without excess rounding. IPA: /ˌɛˈlævɪl/. - AU: similar to UK with potentially broader vowel sounds; ensure non-rhoticity is noted; final /l/ remains light. IPA: /ˌæˈlævɪl/.
Elavil is a proprietary brand name for amitriptyline, a tricyclic antidepressant first developed in the 1960s by major pharmaceutical companies. The chemical name clearly reflects its pharmacological class: amitriptyline is derived from the amine groups and a tricyclic ring system (a three-ring core). The “-pramine” or “-triptyline” nomenclature indicates a tricyclic antidepressant, while “Elavil” was coined as a memorable trade name likely intended to suggest relief and elevation of mood (the “El” prefix implying “elevate”). The amitriptyline molecule interacts with neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and serotonin to increase mood-regulating chemicals in the brain. The drug entered medical use in the mid-to-late 20th century and quickly became a widely prescribed antidepressant before the emergence of newer classes. First known clinical use appears in pharmacology and psychiatry literature in the 1960s, with rapid adoption in Western medicine. Since then, generic amitriptyline has remained in common use, with Elavil persisting as a well-known brand name in many countries. The term’s usage has evolved with evolving prescribing practices and the shift toward safety monitoring for anticholinergic and cardiotoxic side effects, while the brand name endures in patient-facing information and pharmacy labeling.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Elavil" and can often be used interchangeably.
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Words that rhyme with "Elavil"
-vil sounds
-vel sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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