4 syllables: In, qui, si, tion. Stress on si.
in-kwuh-ZISH-uhn
/ˌɪnkwəˈzɪʃən/
Inquisition is pronounced in-kwuh-ZISH-uhn (/ˌɪnkwəˈzɪʃən/). It has four syllables (In-qui-si-tion), with the stress on "si". Inquisition is a formal inquiry or investigation, especially one carried out with severe questioning or harsh scrutiny. It denotes a systematic, often stern examination intended to uncover truth or unknowns, historically associated with legal or ecclesiastical tribunals. In modern use it can describe any intense, probing inquiry into a matter.
nounInquisition is a formal inquiry or investigation, especially one carried out with severe questioning or harsh scrutiny. It denotes a systematic, often stern examination intended to uncover truth or unknowns, historically associated with legal or ecclesiastical tribunals. In modern use it can describe any intense, probing inquiry into a matter.
How to Pronounce Inquisition
"The committee launched an inquisition into the nonprofit's finances."
"During the memoir workshop, the author faced an inquisition about every timeline detail."
"The company's internal inquisition revealed several overlooked compliance issues."
You pronounce it as in-QUIZ-i-shun, with primary stress on the third syllable: /ɪnˌkwɪzɪˈʃən/. Break it into in-QUIZ-i-tion, noting that the 'quis' sounds like 'quis' in 'inquiry' or 'quiz.' The 'tion' ending is pronounced as /-ʃən/ rather than /-tʃən/; the 'sh' sound comes from the 'tion' cluster. For quick pronunciation, say: in-QUIZ-i-zhun (modern, natural variant). Audio reference can be found in pronunciation resources linked to Pronounce and Forvo.
Common errors include misplacing the stress by saying in-quis-IT-ion, or turning the 'tion' into a plain /tʃən/ or /ən/. Some speakers flatten the middle 'quis' to /kwɪz/ without the secondary stress, producing in-kwiz-EE-ən. Correct by stressing the -QUIZ- syllable: /ɪnˌkwɪzɪˈʃən/. Practice the 'kwiz' cluster with a quick jaw-drop and a clear /w/ onset, then glide into /ɪ/ and the /ʃən/ suffix.
All three share /ɪnˌkwɪzɪˈʃən/. In US, the rhotics are near; the 'r' is not present in this word, but American speakers may slightly reduce the middle vowel; in UK, non-rhotic handling remains with crisp /ɪnˌkwɪzɪˈʃən/. Australian tends to be similar to UK but with a more centralized vowel quality and a slightly broader intonation. The primary stress remains on the -QUI- syllable across accents.
The difficulty lies in the consonant cluster -quis- /kwɪz/ and the final -tion /-ʃən/ combination, which can be slurred as /-tʃən/ or reduced in fast speech. The secondary stress on the -QUI- part requires deliberate articulation of the /kw/ onset and /ɪ/ vowel before the /z/ in /kwɪz/. The 'in-' prefix also blends quickly with the stressed syllable, so keeping separate syllables can help.
In this word, the first syllable is typically a short /ɪ/ as in 'in' rather than a full schwa; the rhythm of the word leans toward keeping the /ɪ/ short and light. The pronunciation commonly leads to the pattern /ɪnˌkwɪzɪˈʃən/, where the initial 'in' is a short, unstressed syllable that blends into the stressed -QUI- cluster.
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The term inquisition comes from the Latin inquisitionem, from inquirere, meaning to inquire or seek. First used in the 13th century to denote judicial inquiries, especially religious tribunals tasked with identifying heresy (notably the Medieval Inquisition in medieval Europe). The word evolved to frame formal investigations or systematic questioning beyond religious contexts. Over time, inquisition has acquired a strong historical association with coercive interrogation methods used by ecclesiastical and secular authorities, which has influenced its connotation toward intensity and control. In modern English, inquisition can refer to any stringent, thorough examination, often with an emphasis on searching for truth through rigorous questioning. The term’s trajectory mirrors broader shifts from church-centered jurisprudence to secular investigative practices, while preserving its core sense of a diligent, sometimes intimidating inquiry.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Inquisition" and can often be used interchangeably.
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Words that rhyme with "Inquisition"
-ion sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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