How to pronounce abrupt
Say it like uh-BRUHPT. Abrupt has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (BRUHPT).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce abrupt. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- uh
- BRUHPT
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Abrupt 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.
- BRUHPTSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
American vs British pronunciation of abrupt
American and British speakers say abrupt in essentially the same way: /əˈbrʌpt/ in the US and /əˈbrʌpt/ in the UK.
British respelling: uh-BRUHPT.
What does abrupt mean?
- Without notice to prepare the mind for the event; sudden; hasty; unceremonious.“The party came to an abrupt end when the parents of our host arrived.”
- Curt in manner.
- Having sudden transitions from one subject or state to another; unconnected; disjointed.
- To interrupt suddenly.
- Something which is abrupt; an abyss.
Where does abrupt come from?
First attested in 1583.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with abrupt
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of abrupt.
Questions about saying abrupt
How do you pronounce abrupt?
Say uh-BRUHPT. The American pronunciation is /əˈbrʌpt/. In British English it is /əˈbrʌpt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in abrupt?
Abrupt has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (BRUHPT). Broken into parts: uh · BRUHPT.
Do Americans and Brits say abrupt the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /əˈbrʌpt/ and the British form is /əˈbrʌpt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.