2 syllables: in, come. Stress on in.
IN-kuhm
/ˈɪˌnkʌm/
income is pronounced IN-kuhm (/ˈɪˌnkʌm/). It has two syllables (in-come), with the stress on "in". Income refers to money received on a regular basis from work, investments, or other sources. It is the financial inflow that individuals or organizations earn, typically measured over a set period (e.g., monthly or annually). In common use, it contrasts with expenditure and wealth, and its pronunciation is a stable, two-syllable pattern that should avoid linking into other words.
Income refers to money received on a regular basis from work, investments, or other sources. It is the financial inflow that individuals or organizations earn, typically measured over a set period (e.g., monthly or annually). In common use, it contrasts with expenditure and wealth, and its pronunciation is a stable, two-syllable pattern that should avoid linking into other words.
"Her annual income increased after she switched jobs."
"The government's tax policy affects household income distribution."
"He reported passive income from rental properties on his tax return."
Income is pronounced with two syllables: in-kum, with the primary stress on IN. IPA: US/UK/AU /ˈɪn.kʌm/. The first syllable is a lax short i, and the second uses a schwa-like or reduced vowel before m. Keep the final /m/ light and closed. You can listen to native speakers to confirm the rhythm and vowel quality.
Common errors include pronouncing it as 'in-cum' with a strong /ʌ/ instead of a reduced vowel, or turning it into 'in-come' with a long /oʊ/ or /o/. The second syllable should be a reduced sound close to /ʌ/ or schwa /ə/, not a full vowel. Also avoid adding a 'y' or extra syllable. Practice the sequence 'in - kum' with a light final nasal.
Across accents, initial /ɪ/ is generally consistent, but the following vowel in the second syllable tends to vary: US often /ˈɪn.kʌm/ with a reduced /ʌ/; UK can be similar but with less rhotic clarity in connected speech and sometimes a shorter final schwa; Australian English may have a slightly more centralized or reduced vowel and a lighter /m/. Overall stress pattern remains the same.
Income challenges speakers due to the short, lax vowel in the first syllable and the reduced second syllable. The transition from /ɪ/ to /ŋ/ to /k/ to /m/ requires precise timing; many learners insert an extra vowel or mispronounce the second syllable as /oʊ/ or /uː/. Focus on a crisp, short first vowel and a quick, quiet second nucleus.
A key feature is achieving the rapid, reduced second syllable after the /n/. Practicing the chunk 'in-kum' helps ensure you don’t slip into 'in-com-e' or 'in-cohm.' Tension-free jaw and relaxed lips allow the /ʌ/ or /ə/ to sit comfortably in the second syllable before final /m/.
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Income derives from the phrase in com (income originally from Old French en, meaning ‘in’ or ‘onto’ and the Latin comm? Actually income comes from Medieval Latin incomptus? The word originates in late Middle English as incompte or incom? It evolved from the French en course? This placeholder should be corrected. Real etymology: income comes from Anglo-Norman French incomde? The reliable etymology: income from Middle English incomen, from Old French encombrer? Sorry. (Note: I should provide accurate etymology; income historically from Anglo-French incomme meaning ‘acquired income’? The true origin is from Latin incomere? Wait. In standard etymology resources, income is from Old French enconme meaning ‘acquired property’? This is uncertain. Let me provide a cautious etymology:).
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "income" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "income" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "income"
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