How to Pronounce Imbecile

To pronounce "imbecile", say IMB-ec-il-e — 4 syllables, IPA /ˈɪmbəsəl/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

imbecile

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Accent

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4

Syllables

8

Letters

/ˈɪmbəsəl/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “imbecile”

"imbecile" has 4 syllables: imb-ec-il-e.

What does imbecile mean?

noun

  1. A person with limited mental capacity who can perform tasks and think only like a young child, in medical circles meaning a person who lacks the capacity to develop beyond the mental age of a normal five to seven-year-old child.
  2. A fool, an idiot.

adjective

  1. Destitute of strength, whether of body or mind; feeble; impotent; especially, mentally weak.

    “hospitals for the imbecile and insane”

Hear “imbecile” in real sentences

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

Related words

half-witstupididiotmoronretardunintelligentchangelingcretin

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "imbecile"?▾

"Imbecile" has 4 syllables: imb · ec · il · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "imbecile"?▾

The IPA transcription of "imbecile" is /ˈɪmbəsəl/.

What does "imbecile" mean?▾

Imbecile: A person with limited mental capacity who can perform tasks and think only like a young child, in medical circles meaning a person who lacks the capacity to develop beyond the mental age of a normal five to seven-year-old child.

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