How to pronounce backbite
Say it like BAK-byte. Backbite has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BAK).
- BAK
- byte
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Backbite pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- BAKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- byteGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in time.
American vs British pronunciation of backbite
American and British speakers say backbite in essentially the same way: /ˈbækˌbaɪt/ in the US and /ˈbækˌbaɪt/ in the UK.
British respelling: BAK-byte.
What does backbite mean?
- To make spiteful slanderous or defamatory statements about someone.
- To attack from behind or when out of earshot with spiteful or defamatory remarks.
- To speak badly of an absent individual.
- One who engages in backbiting; a backbiter.
Where does backbite come from?
From Middle English bakbiten, bacbiten, equivalent to back- + bite.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying backbite
How do you pronounce backbite?
Say BAK-byte. The American pronunciation is /ˈbækˌbaɪt/. In British English it is /ˈbækˌbaɪt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in backbite?
Backbite has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BAK). Broken into parts: BAK · byte.
Do Americans and Brits say backbite the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈbækˌbaɪt/ and the British form is /ˈbækˌbaɪt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.