Pronounce 06
COLONEL
Natural Pronunciation
Say it: KER-nuhl
Two syllables.
Sounds exactly like kernel, as in a kernel of corn.
KER rhymes with her; nuhl is a quick, relaxed ending.
Say KER more strongly.
Practical Use
The colonel addressed the soldiers before the exercise.
A colonel visited the military academy to speak with the students.
The colonel reviewed the plan with the other officers.
Everyone stood when the colonel entered the room.
The journalist interviewed a retired colonel about his experiences.
Read in Context
A Visit to the Academy
The military academy was unusually busy on Monday morning. A colonel was scheduled to visit and speak with students about leadership and responsibility. Before his arrival, the instructors organized the lecture hall and reviewed the day's schedule. When the colonel entered, the students stood and greeted him respectfully. During his presentation, he explained that leadership required more than giving orders. Good leaders had to listen, make difficult decisions, and accept responsibility for their actions. After the lecture, several students asked questions about his career. The colonel answered honestly, describing both his proudest achievements and his most challenging experiences. His visit left the students thinking differently about what it meant to lead others.
Understanding the Word
Colonel is a military rank. It is pronounced differently from what its spelling might suggest.
Military rank: The colonel commanded the unit.
Professional title: Colonel Harris addressed the audience.
Past experience: The retired colonel now teaches leadership courses.
