How to Pronounce Hostile

To pronounce "hostile", say HOST-il-e — 3 syllables, IPA /ˈhɒstaɪl/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

hostile

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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Syllables

Letters

/ˈhɒstaɪl/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “hostile”

"hostile" has 3 syllables: host-il-e. It rhymes with reconcile and vile, if that helps it stick.

Sounds exactly like: hostel — easy to mix up when writing.

What does hostile mean?

noun

(chiefly in the plural) An enemy.

adjective

Not friendly, appropriate to an enemy; showing the disposition of an enemy; showing ill will and malevolence, or a desire to thwart and injure
“a hostile country”
Aggressive, antagonistic.

Synonyms

antagonistic hateful inimical unfriendly

Antonyms

friendly

Hear “hostile” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with hostile

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

reconcile vile beguile versatile juvenile senile pile aisle smile revile file trial

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "hostile"?▾

"Hostile" has 3 syllables: host · il · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "hostile"?▾

The IPA transcription of "hostile" is /ˈhɒstaɪl/.

What does "hostile" mean?▾

Hostile: (chiefly in the plural) An enemy.

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