How to pronounce assail
Say it like uh-SAYL. Assail has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SAYL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce assail. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- uh
- SAYL
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Assail 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.
- SAYLSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of assail
American and British speakers say assail in essentially the same way: /əˈseɪl/ in the US and /əˈseɪl/ in the UK.
British respelling: uh-SAYL.
What does assail mean?
- To attack with harsh words or violent force.“Muggers assailed them as they entered an alley.”
- To overcome or successfully argue against; defeat.
Where does assail come from?
From Middle English assailen, from Old French assaillir, assalir, from Late Latin assalīre, from Latin ad (“at, towards”) + salīre (“jump”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- assault
- attack
Words that rhyme with assail
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of assail.
Questions about saying assail
How do you pronounce assail?
Say uh-SAYL. The American pronunciation is /əˈseɪl/. In British English it is /əˈseɪl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in assail?
Assail has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SAYL). Broken into parts: uh · SAYL.
Do Americans and Brits say assail the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /əˈseɪl/ and the British form is /əˈseɪl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.