2 syllables: Paul, ine. Stress on ine.
paw-LEEN
/pɔˈlin/
Pauline is pronounced paw-LEEN (/pɔˈlin/). It has two syllables (Paul-ine), with the stress on "ine". Pauline is a proper noun often used as a feminine given name derived from Paul, or as an adjective relating to the town of Pau in France. In phonetic terms, it is typically pronounced with two syllables and stress on the first: PAW-leen or PAW-lin depending on dialect, with a light second syllable.
nounPauline is a proper noun often used as a feminine given name derived from Paul, or as an adjective relating to the town of Pau in France. In phonetic terms, it is typically pronounced with two syllables and stress on the first: PAW-leen or PAW-lin depending on dialect, with a light second syllable.
"Pauline greeted everyone warmly at the reception."
"The Pauline charity fundraiser raised significant awareness."
"In her speech, Pauline emphasized the importance of resilience."
Pauline is two syllables with primary stress on the first: /ˈpɔː.liːn/ in US/UK/AU accents. The first vowel is a long open back rounded vowel; the second syllable uses a long /iː/ vowel. Lip rounding is light; tongue-position is mid-back for the first vowel, then high-front for the /iː/.
Common errors include: misplacing stress (tripping to /ˈpɔːlɪn/ with reduced second syllable) and shortening the second vowel to /ɪ/ or /ɪn/. Another mistake is pronouncing the first vowel as /æ/ (as in cat) or as a pure /ɔ/ without length. Correct by maintaining a clear /ɔː/ in the first syllable and a prolonged /iː/ in the second, with two distinct syllables.
In American English you’ll often hear /ˈpɔː.liːn/ with a broad /ɔː/ and a long /iː/. UK and Australian English align closely, though some UK speakers may reduce the /iː/ slightly and say /ˈpɔːl.iːn/. Rhoticity doesn’t greatly affect Pauline since it’s not r-colored, but rapid speech can blur the second syllable; in some regional UK varieties, you may hear a slight schwa in the second syllable, yielding /ˈpɔː.lən/.
The challenge lies in achieving the long first vowel /ɔː/ and the long second vowel /iː/ while maintaining distinct syllable boundaries in fluent speech. Speakers sometimes merge into /ˈpɔːlɪn/ or reduce the second syllable to /n/ airily. Focus on separating the two vowels with a light pause and keeping the second vowel tense and prolonged.
A unique aspect is the potential for subtle vowel-length distinction in different dialects. In some British varieties, the second syllable’s /iː/ can be shortened in casual speech leading to /ˈpɔːlən/. In contrast, American and Australian pronunciations tend toward a clearer /iː/ and less reduction, keeping the two-syllable rhythm intact.
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Pauline originates from the masculine name Paul, from the Latin Paulus meaning ‘small’ or ‘humble.’ The name entered vernacular through early Christians and spread across Europe with variations in different languages (Polish Paweł, French Paul, Spanish Pablo). As a feminine form, Pauline emerged in several languages via the -ine feminine suffix, paralleling names like Pauline, Pauline, and Paulette. The first known uses trace to medieval Europe, where names derived from Paul were common due to reverence for the Apostle Paul. In English-speaking contexts, Pauline became established in the late medieval/early modern periods as a distinct feminine given name, often appearing in literature and church records. Over time, Pauline as a surname or place-name influence also appeared, but its primary modern usage remains a female given name with cultural associations to grace, femininity, and classic charm.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Pauline" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Pauline" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "Pauline"
-ine sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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