How to pronounce addition
Say it like uh-DISH-un. Addition has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (DISH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce addition. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- uh
- DISH
- un
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Addition 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.
- DISHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- unKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of addition
American and British speakers say addition in essentially the same way: /əˈdɪʃən/ in the US and /əˈdɪʃən/ in the UK.
British respelling: uh-DISH-un.
What does addition mean?
- a component that is added to something to improve it“the addition of a bathroom was a major improvement”“the addition of cinnamon improved the flavor”
- the act of adding one thing to another“the addition of flowers created a pleasing effect”“the addition of a leap day every four years”
- a quantity that is added“there was an addition to property taxes this year”“they recorded the cattle's gain in weight over a period of weeks”
Where does addition come from?
Sense of “what is added” dates from 14th century, from Middle English addicioun, addition, from Old French adition, from Latin additiōnem, accusative singular of additiō, from addō (“add, put”).
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with addition
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of addition.
Words that sound like addition
Questions about saying addition
How do you pronounce addition?
Say uh-DISH-un. The American pronunciation is /əˈdɪʃən/. In British English it is /əˈdɪʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in addition?
Addition has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (DISH). Broken into parts: uh · DISH · un.
Do Americans and Brits say addition the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /əˈdɪʃən/ and the British form is /əˈdɪʃən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.
What words sound the same as addition?
Addition sounds the same as edition in American English. The spelling and meaning are what tell them apart.