To pronounce "explanation", say expl-an-AT-ion — 4 syllables, IPA /ˌɛkspɫəˈneɪʃən/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.
explanation
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4
Syllables
11
Letters
/ˌɛkspɫəˈneɪʃən/
🇺🇸 IPA (US)
/ɛksplɐnˈeɪʃən/
🇬🇧 IPA (UK)
Break "explanation" into 4 beats and lean on "AT" — that's the stressed one. It rhymes with trepidation and indignation, if that helps it stick.
noun
“The explanation was long and drawn-out.”
“An explanation for the UFO sightings was easily found.”
Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.
"Explanation" has 4 syllables: expl · an · at · ion.
The IPA transcription of "explanation" is /ˌɛkspɫəˈneɪʃən/.
Explanation: The act or process of explaining.
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