How do you pronounce "imbecile"?

In American English: /ˈɪmbəsəl/ (IMB-uhs-uhl). In British English: /ˈɪmbɪsˌiːl/ (IMB-is-eel). In Canadian English: /ˈɪmbəsəl/ (IMB-uhs-uhl). In Australian English: /ˈɪmbɪsˌiːl/ (IMB-is-eel).

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

Yes. In American English it's pronounced /ˈɪmbəsəl/ (IMB-uhs-uhl), while in British English it's /ˈɪmbɪsˌiːl/ (IMB-is-eel).

How to Pronounce "imbecile"

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imbecile

regional

/ˈɪmbəsəl/

IMB-uhs-uhl

Syllable Breakdown

ɪmbim·əsbe·əlcile

Source

80%confidence📘 CMU Pronouncing Dictionary v0.7b

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Last updated: 2026-02-14