4 syllables: In, vi, ta, tion. Stress on ta.
in-vit-AY-shuhn
/ˌɪnvɪˈteɪʃən/
Invitation is pronounced in-vit-AY-shuhn (/ˌɪnvɪˈteɪʃən/). It has four syllables (In-vi-ta-tion), with the stress on "ta". Invitation is a noun meaning a written or spoken request to attend an event or participate in something. It can also refer to the act of inviting or the thing that invites someone. The word carries a formal or ceremonial nuance, though it is used broadly in social or professional contexts. Proper pronunciation helps convey warmth and inclusivity in invitations.
nounInvitation is a noun meaning a written or spoken request to attend an event or participate in something. It can also refer to the act of inviting or the thing that invites someone. The word carries a formal or ceremonial nuance, though it is used broadly in social or professional contexts. Proper pronunciation helps convey warmth and inclusivity in invitations.
How to Pronounce Invitation
"You received an invitation to the conference next month."
"Her invitation to the gala was delivered with a silver envelope."
"The invitation asked guests to RSVP by Friday."
Say in-vi-TEI-tion with primary stress on the third syllable: /ˌɪn.vɪˈteɪ.ʃən/. Start with a light, quick /ɪ/ then a heritage of /vɪ/; place emphasis on /teɪ/ and finish with /ʃən/. Think of “invite” plus “-ation,” but keep the stress on the “TEI” portion for natural rhythm. Audio reference: you can compare with standard pronunciations on Cambridge or Oxford dictionaries.
Common errors: stressing the wrong syllable (eg, /ˌɪnˈvɪ.teɪ.ʃən/), pronouncing the middle as /tʃ/ instead of /tʃən/, or over-articulating the final syllable. Correction tips: keep primary stress on the third syllable /ˈteɪ/ and lightly reduce the final /ən/ to a quick /ən/ or /n/ in fluent speech. Practice with slow rehearsal: /ˌɪn.vɪˈteɪ.ʃən/ then speed up while maintaining the TEI emphasis.
US/UK/AU share the same overall structure, but vowel qualities differ: US often has a slightly flatter /ɪ/ in the first syllable, UK tends to crisper /ɪ/ and a tighter /eɪ/ around TEI, AU can be more centralized vowel qualities and a smoother /ɒ/ in some dialects. The rhyme with -ation remains, but the preceding vowel sounds can shift slightly: /ˌɪn.vɪˈteɪ.ʃən/ (US), /ˌɪn.vɪˈteɪ.ʃən/ (UK), /ˌɪn.vɪˈteɪ.ʃən/ (AU).
Three challenges: the multi-syllabic structure with four syllables, the stress pattern placing the strong emphasis on the third syllable, and the combination of the /t/ and /ʃ/ sounds leading into the unstressed ending. Mouth positions require a clipped /t/ before the /ʃ/ and a maintained /ə/ or /ən/ in the final syllable. Practicing the sequence slowly helps stabilize the rhythm.
A notable aspect is the placement of secondary weight in /vɪ/ before the strong TEI syllable. This creates a specific rhythm where you lightly articulate the /v/ and /ɪ/ quickly, then concentrate on the long /eɪ/ vowel in the stressed syllable. Visualizing the mouth moving from /v/ to a rounded /eɪ/ helps you maintain the correct cadence and avoid an overly flat first two syllables.
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Invitation comes from Medieval Latin invitatio, from invitare meaning to invite or to summon. The root invītāre combines in- (in, toward) with -vitāre (to summon, call). The term entered English via Old French with the form invitacioun, maintaining the sense of a formal request to attend or partake. By the 14th century it appeared in Middle English texts, often in ceremonial or legal contexts, where an invitation would be issued to guests of a noble or religious event. Over time, the word broadened beyond ritual settings to everyday social contexts, retaining a sense of courteous solicitation. The suffix -tion marks a noun of action or condition, aligning with other abstract nouns like intention or celebration. First known uses in English underscore a social function: coordinating attendance, formal gatherings, and later, invitations to private events. In contemporary usage, “invitation” spans formal invitations (weddings, galas) and casual ones (birthday parties), with tone shaped by the accompanying language and medium (print, digital, verbal).
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
Help others use "Invitation" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "Invitation" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Invitation" and show contrast in usage.
📚 Vocabulary tip: Learning synonyms and antonyms helps you understand nuanced differences in meaning and improves your word choice in speaking and writing.
Words that rhyme with "Invitation"
-ion sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
🎵 Rhyme tip: Practicing with rhyming words helps you master similar sound patterns and improves your overall pronunciation accuracy.
