How to Pronounce Initial

To pronounce "initial", say IN-it-ial — 3 syllables, IPA /ɪˈnɪʃəl/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

initial

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Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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3

Syllables

7

Letters

/ɪˈnɪʃəl/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “initial”

"initial" has 3 syllables: in-it-ial. It rhymes with superficial and beneficial, if that helps it stick.

What does initial mean?

noun

  1. The first letter of a word or a name.
  2. In plural, the first letter of each word of a person's full name considered as a unit.

    “You can get your initials printed at the top.”

verb

  1. To sign one's initial(s), as an abbreviated signature.

    “Please initial each page and sign the contract in full at the bottom.”

adjective

  1. Chronologically first, early; of or pertaining to the beginning, cause or origin.

    “Our initial admiration for their efficiency gave way to disgust about their methods.”

  2. Spatially first, placed at the beginning, in the first position; especially said of the first letter of a word.

    “The initial letter of names is usually printed with a capital letter.”

Synonyms

drop capversalincipientopening

Antonyms

final

Hear “initial” 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 initial

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

superficialbeneficialartificialjudicialprejudicialofficialunofficialsacrificialbischel

Related words

firstprimaryoriginaloriginallyelementarymainprimeprinciple

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "initial"?▾

"Initial" has 3 syllables: in · it · ial.

What is the IPA transcription of "initial"?▾

The IPA transcription of "initial" is /ɪˈnɪʃəl/.

What does "initial" mean?▾

Initial: The first letter of a word or a name.

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