How to Pronounce "Ennui"

Hard
🌐 French word
IPA ɒnˈwiː
Syllables: en·nui
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What does "Ennui" mean?

noun

A feeling of listlessness and dissatisfaction arising from a lack of occupation or excitement.

Example: "After weeks of repetitive tasks, she was overwhelmed by a sense of ennui that made everything feel dull."

Origin of "Ennui"

From French ennui meaning boredom, from Latin inodiare meaning to make odious.

How to Say "Ennui"

🗣️ Step by Step

The word has two syllables: the first sounds like 'on' and the second sounds like 'WEE'. Stress the second syllable, so it’s pronounced like 'on-WEE'.

⚠️ Common Mistake

Many people mispronounce it by saying 'EN-wee', which incorrectly emphasizes the first syllable instead of the second.

💬 Example

After weeks of repetitive tasks, she was overwhelmed by a sense of ennui that made everything feel dull.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce Ennui?

Ennui is pronounced ɒnˈwiː. Click the audio button above to hear the correct pronunciation in American, British, and Australian English.

Is Ennui hard to pronounce?

Ennui is considered hard to pronounce. The IPA phonetic transcription is ɒnˈwiː.

What language is Ennui from?

Ennui originates from French. From French ennui meaning boredom, from Latin inodiare meaning to make odious.

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