How to pronounce "propulsion"

propulsion

Noun
American
/prəˈpʌlʃən/

Syllable Breakdown

pro pul sion

How natives say propulsion

British
/prəˈpʌlʃən/

Syllable Breakdown

pro pul sion

How natives say propulsion

Pronunciation Guide In American

Pronunciation Steps

  • Start with a soft 'pro', like in 'pro-side'.

  • Next, say 'pul', with a short 'u' sound like in 'cup'.

  • End with 'shion', with a soft 'sh' sound and stress on the 'shun'.

Common Mistakes

  • pro-pull-sion

  • pro-puls-ion

  • prop-ulsion

Pronunciation Guide In British

Pronunciation Steps

  • same as American

  • same as American

  • same as American

common mistakes

  • same as American

  • same as American

  • same as American

FAQ

How do I stress the word?

Stress the second syllable: 'pul'.

Is the 'sion' pronounced as 'shun'?

Yes, pronounce it as 'shun'.

Do I pronounce the 'p' in 'propulsion'?

Yes, lightly pronounce the initial 'pro'.

Definition

propulsion

The force that moves something forward.

Word Family

propel

/prəˈpɛl/

verb

To push forward

Example: Winds propel the sails.

repulsion

/rɪˈpʌlʃən/

noun

A force that pushes away

Example: Magnets can cause repulsion.

compulsion

/kəmˈpʌlʃən/

noun

A strong urge

Example: He felt a compulsion to run.

Key Pronunciation Differences

Propel has a hard 'pel' at the end.

Repulsion begins with 're-pul' not 'pro-pul'.

Compulsion starts with 'com' unlike 'pro'.

Pro Tips

Focus on 'shun'

Ensure the 'shun' sounds clear and not 'sion'.

Break it down

Practice saying it as 'pro-pul-shun' slowly.

Nearby Words

Test Your Pronunciation On Words That Have Sound Similarities With Propulsion

abroad

/əˈbrɔd/

accelerate

/əkˈsɛləˌreɪt/

accident

/ˈæksɪdənt/

accommodate

/əˈkɑːməˌdeɪt/

accompany

/əˈkʌmpəni/

accomplish

/əˈkɑːm.plɪʃ/

afford

/əˈfɔrd/

airline

/ˈɛrˌlaɪn/

Other Categories

Test Your Pronunciation On Words Within Other Categories

adjoin

ability

agenda