How do you pronounce "essential"?

In American English: /ɛˈsɛnʃəl/ (eh-SEHNSH-uhl). In British English: /ɪsˈɛnʃəl/ (is-EHNSH-uhl). In Canadian English: /ɛˈsɛnʃəl/ (eh-SEHNSH-uhl). In Australian English: /ɪsˈɛnʃəl/ (is-EHNSH-uhl).

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

Yes. In American English it's pronounced /ɛˈsɛnʃəl/ (eh-SEHNSH-uhl), while in British English it's /ɪsˈɛnʃəl/ (is-EHNSH-uhl).

How to Pronounce "essential"

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essential

regional

/ɛˈsɛnʃəl/

eh-SEHNSH-uhl

Syllable Breakdown

ɛes·sɛnʃsen·əltial

Source

90%confidence📘 CMU Pronouncing Dictionary v0.7b

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Last updated: 2026-02-14