Conscience, a complex and multifaceted concept, often finds itself intertwined with our moral compass and ethical decision-making. Understanding how to pronounce this word correctly not only enhances our communication abilities but also allows us to engage in meaningful conversations about its profound implications.
The word “conscience” has two distinct pronunciations, each carrying its own subtle nuances. The first pronunciation, with the emphasis on the second syllable (con-SHUHS), is commonly used in formal and academic settings. This pronunciation evokes a sense of solemnity and introspection, underscoring the weighty nature of the concept.
The second pronunciation, with the emphasis on the first syllable (KON-shuhs), is more prevalent in everyday speech. This pronunciation suggests a more casual and colloquial tone, making it suitable for informal conversations and discussions. Ultimately, the choice of pronunciation depends on the context and the intended audience. Regardless of the variation, both pronunciations convey the same fundamental meaning, capturing the essence of our inner moral guide.
Why the Irregular Pronunciation Exists
The irregular pronunciation of “conscience” is due to a combination of factors, including:
Influence of Latin
The word “conscience” originates from the Latin term “conscientia,” which was pronounced with a “sh” sound at the beginning. When the word entered the English language in the 14th century, it initially retained this pronunciation, with a spelling that reflected its Latin roots (i.e., “conscience”).
Shift in Pronunciation
Over time, the pronunciation of “conscience” underwent a gradual shift, influenced by the tendency in English to simplify and soften sounds. The “sh” sound evolved into a more relaxed “s” sound, creating the pronunciation we know today. This shift occurred in parallel with other similar changes in English, such as the loss of the final “e” in words like “dance” and “house.
Influence of Spelling
The spelling of “conscience” has played a role in preserving its irregular pronunciation. The presence of the letters “c” and “i” before the letter “e” typically indicates a soft “c” sound, as in words like “city” and “vice.” However, in the case of “conscience,” the historical pronunciation has prevailed despite the spelling. This is an example of how the spelling of a word can influence its pronunciation, even when it does not align with the usual rules of language.
Pronouncing the First Syllable
When pronouncing the first syllable of “conscience,” there are five distinct steps to follow:
1. Open your mouth wide, as if saying “aw.”
2. Place your lips in a slightly rounded position, as if saying “oh.”
3. Bring your tongue forward in your mouth, so that the tip of your tongue is just behind your upper front teeth.
4. Raise the back of your tongue towards the roof of your mouth, but not so much that you block the airflow.
5. Blow air out of your lungs through your narrow mouth opening. The combination of the tongue position and airflow will produce the “con” sound.
Here’s a table summarizing the steps:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Open your mouth wide, as if saying “aw.” |
| 2 | Place your lips in a slightly rounded position, as if saying “oh.” |
| 3 | Bring your tongue forward in your mouth, so that the tip of your tongue is just behind your upper front teeth. |
| 4 | Raise the back of your tongue towards the roof of your mouth, but not so much that you block the airflow. |
| 5 | Blow air out of your lungs through your narrow mouth opening. The combination of the tongue position and airflow will produce the “con” sound. |
Pronouncing the Second Syllable
The second syllable of “conscience” is pronounced with a diphthong, which is a combination of two vowel sounds. The first vowel sound is pronounced like the vowel in “awe” or “saw,” and the second vowel sound is pronounced like the vowel in “beat” or “feet.”
To pronounce the diphthong correctly, start by saying the vowel sound in “awe” or “saw.” Then, as you continue to say the sound, gradually move your tongue and lips towards the position for the vowel sound in “beat” or “feet.” The result should be a smooth transition between the two vowel sounds.
Here is a table summarizing the pronunciation of the second syllable of “conscience”:
| Vowel Sound | Example |
|---|---|
| First vowel sound | “Awe” or “saw” |
| Second vowel sound | “Beat” or “feet” |
To practice pronouncing the second syllable of “conscience,” try saying the following words aloud:
- Conscience
- Conscientious
- Conscientiously
Pronouncing the Third Syllable
The third syllable of “conscience” is “-ence.” This syllable is pronounced with the “EH” sound, as in “bet.” However, the “N” sound is not pronounced. Instead, the “T” and “S” sounds are pronounced together, creating a “TS” sound. Therefore, the third syllable of “conscience” is pronounced “/EH-TS/.”
Here are some tips for pronouncing the third syllable of “conscience”:
- Start by saying the “EH” sound, as in “bet.”
- Next, say the “TS” sound, as in “cats.”
- Combine the two sounds to say “/EH-TS/.”
- Practice saying the third syllable in isolation, and then in the word “conscience.”
Here is a table that summarizes the pronunciation of the third syllable of “conscience”:
| Syllable | Pronunciation |
|---|---|
| -ence | /EH-TS/ |
How to Pronounce Conscience
The word “conscience” is pronounced with the stress on the second syllable, like “con-SCIENCE.” The first syllable is pronounced like the word “con” in “convict.” The second syllable is pronounced like the word “science.”
Here are some tips for pronouncing “conscience” correctly:
- Start by saying the word “con.”
- Add the “s” sound, like in “conscience.”
- Say the word “science.”
- Put it all together: “con-SCIENCE.”
You can also practice pronouncing “conscience” by listening to how it is pronounced in the following video:
People Also Ask About How to Pronounce Conscience
Is it con-shunce or con-science?
“Conscience” is pronounced with the stress on the second syllable, like “con-SCIENCE.” The first syllable is pronounced like the word “con” in “convict.” The second syllable is pronounced like the word “science.”
What does conscience mean?
Conscience is the inner voice that tells us what is right and wrong. It is a moral compass that guides our actions and helps us to make decisions in accordance with our values.
