How to pronounce acceleration
Say it like ak-sel-uh-RAY-shun. Acceleration has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the fourth one (RAY).
- ak
- sel
- uh
- RAY
- shun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Acceleration pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- akGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- selGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- RAYSay 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 acceleration
American and British speakers say acceleration in essentially the same way: /ˌækˌsɛləˈreɪʃən/ in the US and /ækˌsɛləˈreɪʃən/ in the UK.
British respelling: ak-sel-uh-RAY-shun.
What does acceleration mean?
- The act of accelerating, or the state of being accelerated; increase of motion or action; as opposed to retardation or deceleration.“A falling body moves toward the earth with an acceleration of velocity.”
- The amount by which a speed or velocity increases (and so a scalar quantity or a vector quantity).“The boosters produce an acceleration of 20 metres per second per second.”
- The change of velocity with respect to time (can include deceleration or changing direction).
Where does acceleration come from?
First attested in 1531.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with acceleration
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of acceleration.
Questions about saying acceleration
How do you pronounce acceleration?
Say ak-sel-uh-RAY-shun. The American pronunciation is /ˌækˌsɛləˈreɪʃən/. In British English it is /ækˌsɛləˈreɪʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in acceleration?
Acceleration has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the fourth one (RAY). Broken into parts: ak · sel · uh · RAY · shun.
Do Americans and Brits say acceleration the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌækˌsɛləˈreɪʃən/ and the British form is /ækˌsɛləˈreɪʃən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.