How to pronounce backwardness
Say it like BAK-werd-nus. Backwardness has three 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 backwardness. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- BAK
- werd
- nus
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Backwardness 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.
- werdKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- nusKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of backwardness
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: BAK-wud-nus.
What does backwardness mean?
- The state of being backward.
- Reluctance.
Where does backwardness come from?
From backward + -ness.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying backwardness
How do you pronounce backwardness?
Say BAK-werd-nus. The American pronunciation is /ˈbækwɚdnəs/. In British English it is /ˈbækwədnəs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in backwardness?
Backwardness has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BAK). Broken into parts: BAK · werd · nus.
Is backwardness 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 /ˈbækwədnəs/ (BAK-wud-nus).