How to pronounce answer
Say it like AN-ser. Answer has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AN).
- AN
- ser
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Tip: The w is silent: 'AN-ser' in the US, 'AHN-suh' in Britain.
Answer 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.
- serKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of answer
- 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: AHN-suh.
What does answer mean?
- A response or reply; something said or done in reaction to a statement or question.“Her answer to his proposal was a slap in the face.”
- A solution to a problem.“There is no simple answer to corruption.”
- Someone or something that fills a similar role or position.
- To make a reply or response to.“He answered the question.”
- To speak in defence against; to reply to in defence.“to answer a charge or accusation”
- To respond to a call by someone at a door or telephone, or other similar piece of equipment.“She answered the door.”
Where does answer come from?
From Middle English answere, andsware, from Old English andswaru (“answer”), from and- (“against”) + swaru (“affirmation”), (from Proto-Indo-European *h₂ent- (“front, forehead”) and Old English swerian (“to swear”), from Proto-Indo-European
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with answer
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of answer.
Questions about saying answer
How do you pronounce answer?
Say AN-ser. The American pronunciation is /ˈænsɚ/. In British English it is /ˈɑːnsə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in answer?
Answer has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AN). Broken into parts: AN · ser.
Is answer 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 /ˈɑːnsə/ (AHN-suh).