How do you pronounce "enlightening"?

In American English: /ˌɛnˈlaɪtənɪŋ/ (ehn-LEYET-uhn-ing). In British English: /ɛnlˈaɪtənɪŋ/ (ehnl-EYET-uhn-ing). In Canadian English: /ˌɛnˈlʌɪtənɪŋ/ (ehn-LUH-it-uhn-ing). In Australian English: /ɛnlˈaɪtənɪŋ/ (ehnl-EYET-uhn-ing).

Is "enlightening" pronounced differently in American and British English?

Yes. In American English it's pronounced /ˌɛnˈlaɪtənɪŋ/ (ehn-LEYET-uhn-ing), while in British English it's /ɛnlˈaɪtənɪŋ/ (ehnl-EYET-uhn-ing).

How to Pronounce "enlightening"

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enlightening

disputed

/ˌɛnˈlaɪtənɪŋ/

ehn-LEYET-uhn-ing

Syllable Breakdown

ɛnen·laɪtlight·ənen·ɪŋing

Source

80%confidence📘 CMU Pronouncing Dictionary v0.7b

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Last updated: 2026-02-14