How to pronounce alert
Say it like uh-LURT. Alert has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (LURT).
- uh
- LURT
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Alert 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.
- LURTSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
American vs British pronunciation of alert
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: uh-LURT.
What does alert mean?
- Attentive; awake; on guard.
- An alarm.
- A notification of higher importance than an advisory.
- A state of readiness for potential combat.“an airborne alert; ground alert”
- To give warning to.
Where does alert come from?
From French alerte (“alert”), from the phrase à l'erte (“on the watch”), from Italian all'erta (“to the height”), from erta (“lookout, tower”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
- unalert
Words that rhyme with alert
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of alert.
Questions about saying alert
How do you pronounce alert?
Say uh-LURT. The American pronunciation is /əˈlɝt/. In British English it is /əˈlɜːt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in alert?
Alert has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (LURT). Broken into parts: uh · LURT.
Is alert 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 /əˈlɜːt/ (uh-LURT).