How do you pronounce "illuminate"?

In American English: /ˌɪˈluːmɪnɪt/ (i-LOOM-in-it). In British English: /ɪlˈuːmɪnˌeɪt/ (il-OOM-in-ayt). In Canadian English: /ˌɪˈluːmɪnɪt/ (i-LOOM-in-it). In Australian English: /ɪlˈuːmɪnˌeɪt/ (il-OOM-in-ayt).

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

Yes. In American English it's pronounced /ˌɪˈluːmɪnɪt/ (i-LOOM-in-it), while in British English it's /ɪlˈuːmɪnˌeɪt/ (il-OOM-in-ayt).

How to Pronounce "illuminate"

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illuminate

regional

/ˌɪˈluːmɪnɪt/

i-LOOM-in-it

Syllable Breakdown

ɪil·luːmlu·ɪnmi·ɪtnate

Source

80%confidence📘 CMU Pronouncing Dictionary v0.7b

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Last updated: 2026-02-14