How to pronounce abatis
Say it like AB-uh-tus. Abatis has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AB).
VoiceSpeed
US American/ˈæbətəs/AB-uh-tus
UK British/ˈæbətiː/AB-uh-tee
- AB
- uh
- tus
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Abatis pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ABSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- tusKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of abatis
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: AB-uh-tee.
What does abatis mean?
noun
- A means of defense formed by felled trees, or sometimes by bent trees, the ends of whose branches are sharpened and directed outwards, or against the enemy, and more recently fortified with barbed wire.
- In coal-mining, walls of cord-wood piled up crosswise to keep the underground roads open so as to secure ventilation.
Where does abatis come from?
From French abatis, abattis (“mass of things beaten or cut down”), from abattre.
Questions about saying abatis
How do you pronounce abatis?
Say AB-uh-tus. The American pronunciation is /ˈæbətəs/. In British English it is /ˈæbətiː/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in abatis?
Abatis has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AB). Broken into parts: AB · uh · tus.
Is abatis pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t. The British form is /ˈæbətiː/ (AB-uh-tee).