How to pronounce backbiter
Say it like BAK-by-ter. Backbiter has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BAK).
VoiceSpeed
US American/ˈbækbaɪtɚ/BAK-by-ter
UK British/ˈbækbaɪtə/BAK-by-tuh
- BAK
- by
- ter
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Backbiter 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.
- byKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in time.
- terKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of backbiter
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: BAK-by-tuh.
What does backbiter mean?
noun
- A person who says nasty things about another person behind the second person's back: that is, out of their sight and hearing.
Where does backbiter come from?
From Middle English bakbitere, bakbytere, bacbitere, equivalent to backbite + -er.
Questions about saying backbiter
How do you pronounce backbiter?
Say BAK-by-ter. The American pronunciation is /ˈbækbaɪtɚ/. In British English it is /ˈbækbaɪtə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in backbiter?
Backbiter has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BAK). Broken into parts: BAK · by · ter.
Is backbiter 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 /ˈbækbaɪtə/ (BAK-by-tuh).