How to pronounce alternation
Say it like AWL-ter-nay-shun. Alternation has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AWL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce alternation. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- AWL
- ter
- nay
- shun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Alternation pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- AWLSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- terKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- nayGive this part a little weight. 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 alternation
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: OL-tuh-nay-shun.
What does alternation mean?
- The reciprocal succession of (normally two) things in time or place; the act of following and being followed by turns; alternate succession, performance, or occurrence“the alternation of day and night”
- The response of the congregation speaking alternately with the minister.
- Ablaut.
Where does alternation come from?
Learned borrowing from Latin alternatio; compare French alternation.
Questions about saying alternation
How do you pronounce alternation?
Say AWL-ter-nay-shun. The American pronunciation is /ˈɔltɚˌneɪʃən/. In British English it is /ˈɒltəˌneɪʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in alternation?
Alternation has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AWL). Broken into parts: AWL · ter · nay · shun.
Is alternation 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 /ˈɒltəˌneɪʃən/ (OL-tuh-nay-shun).