How do you pronounce "potential"?

In American English: /pəˈtɛnʃəl/ (puh-TEHNSH-uhl). In British English: /pətˈɛnʃəl/ (puht-EHNSH-uhl). In Canadian English: /pəˈtɛnʃəl/ (puh-TEHNSH-uhl). In Australian English: /pətˈɛnʃəl/ (puht-EHNSH-uhl).

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

Yes. In American English it's pronounced /pəˈtɛnʃəl/ (puh-TEHNSH-uhl), while in British English it's /pətˈɛnʃəl/ (puht-EHNSH-uhl).

How to Pronounce "potential"

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potential

/pəˈtɛnʃəl/

puh-TEHNSH-uhl

Syllable Breakdown

pəpo·tɛnʃten·əltial

Source

90%confidence📘 CMU Pronouncing Dictionary v0.7b

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Last updated: 2026-02-14