How to pronounce "ceremony"

ceremony

Noun
American
/ˈsɛrəˌmoʊni/

Syllable Breakdown

cer e mo ny

How natives say ceremony

British
/ˈsɛrəˌməʊni/

Syllable Breakdown

cer e mo ny

How natives say ceremony

Pronunciation Guide In American

Pronunciation Steps

  • Start with 'ser' like in 'serve' with a strong 's' sound.

  • Add 'e' as in 'bed' softly.

  • Pause slightly and say 'mo' like in 'mow'.

  • End with 'ny', a soft 'nee' sound.

Common Mistakes

  • misplacing stress: ce-re-mo-ny

  • mispronouncing 'mo': cer-e-muh-nee

  • adding extra vowels: cer-a-mo-ny

Pronunciation Guide In British

Pronunciation Steps

  • Start with 'ser' like in 'serve' with a strong 's' sound.

  • Add 'e' as in 'bed' softly.

  • Pause slightly and say 'mo' like 'mow' with a diphthong.

  • End with 'ny', a soft 'nee' sound.

common mistakes

  • misplacing stress: ce-re-mo-ny

  • mispronouncing 'mo': cer-e-maw-nee

  • adding extra vowels: cer-a-mo-nee

FAQ

What part of the word is stressed?

The first syllable 'cer' is stressed.

Is the 'e' in 'ceremony' pronounced like 'ee'?

No, it's pronounced like 'e' in 'bed'.

Is the 'o' in 'ceremony' like 'oo' in 'moon'?

No, it's pronounced like 'o' in 'mow'.

Definition

ceremony

A formal event for a special occasion.

Word Family

ceremonial

/ˌsɛrəˈmoʊniəl/

adjective

Related to ceremony

Example: They wore ceremonial robes.

ceremoniously

/ˌsɛrəˈmoʊniəsli/

adverb

In a formal manner

Example: He bowed ceremoniously.

ceremonialist

/ˌsɛrəˈmoʊniəlɪst/

noun

One who takes part in ceremonies

Example: The ceremonialist led the event.

Key Pronunciation Differences

Ceremonial has an additional 'ee-l' sound.

Ceremoniously adds an 's-lee' ending.

Ceremonialist includes an 'ist' ending.

Pro Tips

Listen and Repeat

Listen to native speakers and repeat. Focus on the stressed syllable.

Practice Slowly

Break down the word into smaller parts and say them slowly.

Nearby Words

Test Your Pronunciation On Words That Have Sound Similarities With Ceremony

adjoin

/əˈdʒɔɪn/

apartment

/əˈpɑrt.mənt/

applicable

/ˈæplɪkəbl̩/

arise

/əˈraɪz/

avenue

/ˈæv.ə.nuː/

backstage

/bækˈsteɪdʒ/

bench

/bɛntʃ/

beside

/bɪˈsaɪd/