Is Basil (the name) pronounced as basil (the plant)?

Answer 1

Unless you're in America, yes! In the UK we pronounce them both the same. Not sure if its the same for every region in America tho if I'm honest.

Answer 2

I disagree with those who said the US pronunciation of the two words is always the same. I have always heard the name one way: "BAS-il" (short "A", as in "cat"). The herb, I have always heard as either "BAYS-il" (long "A", as in "play") or "BAY-zil" (still long "A"). In other words, the name has short "A" and the herb has long "A".

However, there does seem to be a variety of usage. According to dictionary.com:

http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=basil

either word can be pronounced either way. So, I guess you could use it either way: just know that no matter how you pronounce it (a) it will sound strange to some people and (b) the meaning is very seldom in doubt by the context.

Answer 3

Short a as in ba
sil is same

Answer 4

Basil brush eats basil...yes they are the same.

Bay-zil..indeed?.. yet another American mess up.

Answer 5

Yes, but the pronounciation depends on where you are from. The English call it "Bazzle" with the a the same as in "and", whereas in N.America, they say "Baysle" as in --- well you get the picture.

I prefer the first one, but that's neither here nor there...

(Have you ever watched Faulty Towers, with John Cleese?)

Answer 6

Watch Faulty Towers, its Barrrrrzil.

Answer 7

in america its bay-zil and in england its baz-il.
not sure about the us but in england its pronounced the same unless the name bearer adds their own touch.
if youve ever seen keeping up appearences Hyacinth pronounces Bucket Boo-cay

Answer 8

Yes, pronounced the same... in region of U.S. I am in.
Bazzle.

Answer 9

yes of course it is

Answer 10

Yes it is.