How to pronounce absorption
Say it like ub-ZORP-shun. Absorption has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (ZORP).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce absorption. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ub
- ZORP
- shun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Absorption pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ubKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- ZORPSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- shunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of absorption
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: ub-ZAWP-shun.
What does absorption mean?
- (chemistry) a process in which one substance permeates another; a fluid permeates or is dissolved by a liquid or solid
- (physics) the process in which incident radiated energy is retained without reflection or transmission on passing through a medium“the absorption of photons by atoms or molecules”
- the social process of absorbing one cultural group into harmony with another
Where does absorption come from?
First attested in 1597.
Words that rhyme with absorption
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of absorption.
Questions about saying absorption
How do you pronounce absorption?
Say ub-ZORP-shun. The American pronunciation is /əbˈzɔrpʃən/. In British English it is /əbˈzɔːpʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in absorption?
Absorption has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (ZORP). Broken into parts: ub · ZORP · shun.
Is absorption pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /əbˈzɔːpʃən/ (ub-ZAWP-shun).