How to pronounce afire
Say it like uh-FIRE. Afire has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FIRE).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce afire. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- uh
- FIRE
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Afire 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.
- FIRESay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in time.
American vs British pronunciation of afire
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: uh-FIRE.
What does afire mean?
- On fire (often metaphorically).
- On fire (often metaphorically).
Where does afire come from?
13ᵗʰc., from Middle English afire, equivalent to a- (“on”) + fire.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with afire
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of afire.
Questions about saying afire
How do you pronounce afire?
Say uh-FIRE. The American pronunciation is /əˈfaɪr/. In British English it is /əˈfaɪə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in afire?
Afire has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FIRE). Broken into parts: uh · FIRE.
Is afire 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 /əˈfaɪə/ (uh-FIRE).