How to Pronounce Illuminating

To pronounce "illuminating", say ILL-um-in-at-ing — 5 syllables, IPA /ɪˈl(j)uːmɪneɪtɪŋ/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

illuminating

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Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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Syllables

Letters

/ɪˈl(j)uːmɪneɪtɪŋ/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “illuminating”

"illuminating" has 5 syllables: ill-um-in-at-ing. It rhymes with titillating and captivating, if that helps it stick.

What does illuminating mean?

verb

To shine light on something.
To decorate something with lights.

adjective

Providing illumination or light.
Providing clarification or explanation; educational, revealing.

Synonyms

illustrate quill bring home clarify elucidate explicitize sort out straighten out clarifying explanatory

Hear “illuminating” 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 illuminating

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

titillating captivating grating deprecating invigorating excruciating exhilarating fascinating exasperating stimulating debilitating fluctuating

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "illuminating"?▾

"Illuminating" has 5 syllables: ill · um · in · at · ing.

What is the IPA transcription of "illuminating"?▾

The IPA transcription of "illuminating" is /ɪˈl(j)uːmɪneɪtɪŋ/.

What does "illuminating" mean?▾

Illuminating: To shine light on something.

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