How to pronounce avast
Say it like uh-VAST. Avast has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (VAST).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce avast. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- uh
- VAST
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Avast 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.
- VASTSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
American vs British pronunciation of avast
- British speakers use the long "ah" vowel of father where Americans use the "a" of cat.
British respelling: uh-VAHST.
What does avast mean?
- Hold fast! Cease! Stop! Desist!
- Listen! Pay attention!“Avast, ye landlubbers!”
Where does avast come from?
Probably borrowed from Dutch hou vast, houd vast (“hold fast!”), from houd (imperative of houden, “to hold”) + vast (“fast, firm, tight”).
Words that rhyme with avast
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of avast.
Questions about saying avast
How do you pronounce avast?
Say uh-VAST. The American pronunciation is /əˈvæst/. In British English it is /əˈvɑːst/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in avast?
Avast has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (VAST). Broken into parts: uh · VAST.
Is avast pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. British speakers use the long "ah" vowel of father where Americans use the "a" of cat. The British form is /əˈvɑːst/ (uh-VAHST).