How to pronounce arrear
Say it like uh-REER. Arrear has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (REER).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce arrear. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- uh
- REER
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Arrear 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.
- REERSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of arrear
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: uh-REER.
What does arrear mean?
- Work to be done, obligation.
- Unpaid debt.“fall into arrears”
- That which is in the rear or behind.
Where does arrear come from?
From Middle English arere, from Old French arere, from Vulgar Latin *ad retro (literally “to the rear”).
Words that rhyme with arrear
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of arrear.
Questions about saying arrear
How do you pronounce arrear?
Say uh-REER. The American pronunciation is /əˈrɪr/. In British English it is /əˈrɪə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in arrear?
Arrear has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (REER). Broken into parts: uh · REER.
Is arrear 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 /əˈrɪə/ (uh-REER).