English pronunciation · Words Starting with E
Essential Pronunciation
Essential is pronounced e-SEN-shuhl, IPA /ɛˈsɛnʃəl/.
e-SEN-shuhl
US /ɛˈsɛnʃəl/ · UK /ɪˈsɛnʃəl/
Syllables: e · SEN · shuhl (3 syllables, stress on syllable 2)
adjective and noun: Absolutely necessary, or a thing you cannot do without.
Audio for the American and British pronunciations plays on this page with JavaScript enabled.
Essential in a Sentence
- A good night's sleep is essential before the exam.
- Pack only the essentials.
- Trust is essential in that kind of work.
Common Mispronunciations of Essential
Not e-sen-see-AL
The tial ending is a single shuhl. Three letters do the work of one sound, as they do in partial and initial.
Not E-sen-shuhl
The middle syllable takes the beat, so the word opens on a faint e or i.
More words starting with e · Every word in the pronunciation guide