3 syllables: In, fi, del. Stress on In.
IN-fid-el
/ˈɪnfɪˌdɛl/
Infidel is pronounced IN-fid-el (/ˈɪnfɪˌdɛl/). It has three syllables (In-fi-del), with the stress on "In". Infidel is a noun referring to someone who does not believe in a particular religion or who is seen as nonbelieving within a religious or cultural context. It carries strong connotations in some cultures, and can be used descriptively or pejoratively depending on tone and intent. The term often appears in historical or religious discussions and can be charged emotionally in interfaith dialogue.
nounInfidel is a noun referring to someone who does not believe in a particular religion or who is seen as nonbelieving within a religious or cultural context. It carries strong connotations in some cultures, and can be used descriptively or pejoratively depending on tone and intent. The term often appears in historical or religious discussions and can be charged emotionally in interfaith dialogue.
- Difficulty securing the secondary stress pattern and over-emphasizing the first syllable; fix by isolating the /ˈfɪ/ chunk and practicing a clean onset with /f/ followed by a short /ɪ/ before /dəl/. - Final /əl/ often becomes /l/ or a veiled schwa; aim for a light, quick /əl/ with the tongue relaxed. - The /f/ can be muffled if the lips aren’t forward enough; keep the lower lip lightly touching the upper teeth and exhale steadily. - Common US/UK/AU variation: final syllable clarity can vary; maintain consistent /dəl/ even with accent differences. - Use minimal pairs to fix: infidel vs. infidel? as needed for context.
How to Pronounce Infidel
"The speaker warned that the regime would punish infidels who refused to convert."
"During the debate, he labeled his opponent an infidel, which escalated tensions."
"The medieval chronicler described the crusaders as defenders against infidels."
Pronounce it as in-FI-del, with primary stress on the second syllable. IPA: US/UK/AU ɪnˈfɪdəl. The first syllable uses the short lax vowel /ɪ/ as in “kit.” The second syllable centers on /ˈfɪ/ with a voiced labiodental fricative /f/ followed by a short /ɪ/; the final /dəl/ ends with a light /l/—the second syllable bears the main emphasis. Visualize the mouth preparing for /f/ then a quick /ɪ/ before a soft /d/ and a light /əl/.
Two common errors: (1) Misplacing stress, say-ing infi-DEL or in-FI-del with the emphasis on the first syllable; keep primary stress on the second. (2) Vowel reduction in the final syllable, pronouncing it as /dəl/ with a dull /ə/; aim for a clearer /əl/ or a clearer 'uh' sound but avoid flattening the vowel. Practice by isolating /ˈfɪ/ and ending with a crisp /dəl/.
Across US/UK/AU, the core vowels and consonants stay similar, but rhotics and vowel quality differ slightly. In US English, /ɪ/ in the first syllable tends to be a bit tighter; UK often retains a slightly purer /ɪ/ and may reduce the final syllable a touch differently. Australian pronunciation tends to be more centralized, with a possibly softer /l/ at the end. The primary stress remains on the second syllable in all three. IPA references: ɪnˈfɪdəl.
The difficulty lies in maintaining correct syllable rhythm and stress while ensuring the /f/ is clearly released before the /ɪ/ that begins the stressed syllable, and finishing with a light, clearly articulated /əl/. Many speakers also struggle with the final /l/ in a word that ends with a soft, light consonant blend. Practice sustaining the second syllable’s vowel quality while landing the /d/ and subtle /l/ without adding extra vowel.
Infidel’s key nuance is the strong, clear onset of the stressed syllable /fɪ/ after /ɪn/. Ensure the /n/ blends smoothly into /f/ without vowel loss. The /ɪ/ in the second syllable should be short, not a diphthong, and the /əl/ should be a quick, almost syllabic ending rather than a full vowel syllable. IPA: ɪnˈfɪdəl.
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- US: rhotic, clearer /ɹ/ and more pronounced /ɪ/ in second syllable; keep lips neutral and jaw slightly open. - UK: non-rhotic or lightly rhotic; write emphasis on /ˈfɪ/ with forward tongue position; keep final /l/ light. - AU: more centralized vowels; final /l/ softer, with a slightly more relaxed mouth shape; keep the /d/ crisp and clear. - Across accents: pay attention to the final treatment of /əl/, sometimes realized as /əl/ or /l̩/. Use IPA: ɪnˈfɪdəl; listen for subtle differences and adjust tongue height.
Infidel comes from the Latin infidelis, from in- 'not' + fidelis 'faithful', meaning 'not faithful' or 'unbelieving'. The term entered Old French as infidel and then Middle English, where it acquired religious connotations, especially during medieval Christian–Muslim and Christian–Jewish interactions. It traditionally referred to someone who does not share a specified faith, often used in polemical contexts (e.g., crusades, inquisition, or interfaith disputes). Over time its usage broadened and sometimes became pejorative, reflecting power dynamics and religious intolerance. In modern usage, it remains a charged word; in some contexts it can be reclaimed or used descriptively about historical behavior, but in many settings it should be employed with awareness of its potential harm and impact. First known use in English traces to the 14th–15th centuries, with earlier Latin roots in infidelis; the semantic shift from ‘unfaithful’ to ‘nonbeliever’ tracks the broader evolution of religious identity and othering in Western discourse.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Infidel" and can often be used interchangeably.
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Words that rhyme with "Infidel"
-dle sounds
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