How to pronounce afterword
Say it like AF-ter-wurd. Afterword has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AF).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce afterword. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- AF
- ter
- wurd
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Afterword pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- AFSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- terKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- wurdGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
American vs British pronunciation of afterword
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- British speakers use the long "ah" vowel of father where Americans use the "a" of cat.
British respelling: AHF-tuh-wurd.
What does afterword mean?
- an epilogue.
- a postscript.
- an appendix.
Where does afterword come from?
From after- + word. Compare foreword.
Questions about saying afterword
How do you pronounce afterword?
Say AF-ter-wurd. The American pronunciation is /ˈæftɚˌwɝd/. In British English it is /ˈɑːftəwɜːd/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in afterword?
Afterword has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AF). Broken into parts: AF · ter · wurd.
Is afterword 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 /ˈɑːftəwɜːd/ (AHF-tuh-wurd).