How to pronounce abbreviation
Say it like uh-bree-vee-AY-shun. Abbreviation has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the fourth one (AY).
- uh
- bree
- vee
- AY
- shun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Abbreviation pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- breeGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- veeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- AYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- shunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of abbreviation
American and British speakers say abbreviation in essentially the same way: /əˌbriviˈeɪʃən/ in the US and /əˌbriːviˈeɪʃən/ in the UK.
British respelling: uh-bree-vee-AY-shun.
What does abbreviation mean?
- The result of shortening or reducing; abridgment.
- A shortened or contracted form of a word or phrase used to represent the whole, using omission of letters, and sometimes substitution of letters, or duplication of initial letters to signify plurality, including signs such as +, =, @.“Hants is an abbreviation of Hampshire.”
- The process of abbreviating.
Where does abbreviation come from?
First attested 1400–50.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with abbreviation
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of abbreviation.
Questions about saying abbreviation
How do you pronounce abbreviation?
Say uh-bree-vee-AY-shun. The American pronunciation is /əˌbriviˈeɪʃən/. In British English it is /əˌbriːviˈeɪʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in abbreviation?
Abbreviation has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the fourth one (AY). Broken into parts: uh · bree · vee · AY · shun.
Do Americans and Brits say abbreviation the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /əˌbriviˈeɪʃən/ and the British form is /əˌbriːviˈeɪʃən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.