How do you pronounce "illiterate"?

In American English: /ˌɪˈlɪtɝət/ (i-LIT-ur-uht). In British English: /ɪlˈɪtəɹət/ (il-IT-uhr-uht). In Canadian English: /ˌɪˈlɪtɝət/ (i-LIT-ur-uht). In Australian English: /ɪlˈɪtəɹət/ (il-IT-uhr-uht).

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

Yes. In American English it's pronounced /ˌɪˈlɪtɝət/ (i-LIT-ur-uht), while in British English it's /ɪlˈɪtəɹət/ (il-IT-uhr-uht).

How to Pronounce "illiterate"

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illiterate

regional

/ˌɪˈlɪtɝət/

i-LIT-ur-uht

Syllable Breakdown

ɪil·lɪtlit·ɝer·ətate

Source

80%confidence📘 CMU Pronouncing Dictionary v0.7b

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Last updated: 2026-02-14