How to pronounce backfire
Say it like BAK-fire. Backfire has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BAK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce backfire. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- BAK
- fire
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Backfire 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.
- fireGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in time.
American vs British pronunciation of backfire
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: BAK-fire.
What does backfire mean?
- A premature explosion in the cylinder of a gas or oil engine during the exhaust or the compression stroke, tending to drive the piston in the wrong direction.
- An explosion in the exhaust passages of an internal combustion engine.
- An explosion in other equipment.
- Of a gun, cannon, Bunsen burner, etc., to fire in the opposite direction, for example due to an obstruction in the barrel.
- Of a reciprocating engine, to experience a premature ignition of fuel or an ignition of exhaust gases, making a popping sound.
- To fail in a manner that brings down further misfortune.“His attempt to make money by importing luxury cars backfired horribly when fuel prices tripled.”
Where does backfire come from?
From back + fire.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying backfire
How do you pronounce backfire?
Say BAK-fire. The American pronunciation is /ˈbækˌfaɪr/. In British English it is /ˈbækˌfaɪə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in backfire?
Backfire has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BAK). Broken into parts: BAK · fire.
Is backfire 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 /ˈbækˌfaɪə/ (BAK-fire).