How to pronounce abreast
Say it like uh-BREST. Abreast has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (BREST).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce abreast. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- uh
- BREST
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Abreast 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.
- BRESTSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
American vs British pronunciation of abreast
American and British speakers say abreast in essentially the same way: /əˈbrɛst/ in the US and /əˈbrɛst/ in the UK.
British respelling: uh-BREST.
What does abreast mean?
- Side by side, facing forward.
- Alongside; parallel to.
- Informed, well-informed, familiar, acquainted.
- Side by side and facing forward.
- Alongside; parallel to.
- Informed, well-informed, familiar, acquainted.
- Abreast of; alongside.“This ship sank abreast the island.”
Where does abreast come from?
From Middle English abrest.
Words that rhyme with abreast
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of abreast.
Questions about saying abreast
How do you pronounce abreast?
Say uh-BREST. The American pronunciation is /əˈbrɛst/. In British English it is /əˈbrɛst/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in abreast?
Abreast has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (BREST). Broken into parts: uh · BREST.
Do Americans and Brits say abreast the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /əˈbrɛst/ and the British form is /əˈbrɛst/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.