How to pronounce abyssal
Say it like uh-BIS-ul. Abyssal has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (BIS).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce abyssal. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- uh
- BIS
- ul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Abyssal 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.
- BISSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- ulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of abyssal
American and British speakers say abyssal in essentially the same way: /əˈbɪsəl/ in the US and /əˈbɪsəl/ in the UK.
British respelling: uh-BIS-ul.
What does abyssal mean?
- Of or belonging to the ocean depths, especially below 2000 metres (6500 ft): abyssal zone.
- Pertaining to or occurring at excessive depths in the earth's crust; plutonic.
- In the utter depths of despair; gloomy.
Where does abyssal come from?
First attested in the 1690s.
Words that rhyme with abyssal
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of abyssal.
Questions about saying abyssal
How do you pronounce abyssal?
Say uh-BIS-ul. The American pronunciation is /əˈbɪsəl/. In British English it is /əˈbɪsəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in abyssal?
Abyssal has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (BIS). Broken into parts: uh · BIS · ul.
Do Americans and Brits say abyssal the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /əˈbɪsəl/ and the British form is /əˈbɪsəl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.