How to pronounce anecdote
Say it like AN-uk-doht. Anecdote has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce anecdote. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- AN
- uk
- doht
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Anecdote pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ANSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- ukKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- dohtGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "o" in go.
American vs British pronunciation of anecdote
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: AN-ik-doht.
What does anecdote mean?
- A short account of a real incident or person, often humorous or interesting.“tell an anecdote”
- An account which supports an argument, but which is not supported by scientific or statistical analysis.
- A previously untold secret account of an incident.
- To tell anecdotes (about).
Where does anecdote come from?
Virtually identical cognates in other European languages – French anecdote, German Anekdote, Spanish anécdota, among others.
Questions about saying anecdote
How do you pronounce anecdote?
Say AN-uk-doht. The American pronunciation is /ˈænəkˌdoʊt/. In British English it is /ˈænɪkˌdəʊt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in anecdote?
Anecdote has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AN). Broken into parts: AN · uk · doht.
Is anecdote pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh". The British form is /ˈænɪkˌdəʊt/ (AN-ik-doht).