How to pronounce bedridden
Say it like BED-rid-un. Bedridden has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BED).
- BED
- rid
- un
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Bedridden pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- BEDSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- ridGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- unKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of bedridden
American and British speakers say bedridden in essentially the same way: /ˈbɛˌdrɪdən/ in the US and /ˈbɛdrɪdən/ in the UK.
British respelling: BED-rih-dun.
What does bedridden mean?
- Confined to bed because of infirmity or illness.
Where does bedridden come from?
From Middle English bedredyn, bedraden, bedreden, bæddrædæn (also as bedreede, bedrede), from Old English bedreda (“bedridden”, adj.), from bedreda, bedrida, bæddryda (“one who is bedridden”, noun), from bed, bedd (“bed”) + rida (“rider”),
Questions about saying bedridden
How do you pronounce bedridden?
Say BED-rid-un. The American pronunciation is /ˈbɛˌdrɪdən/. In British English it is /ˈbɛdrɪdən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in bedridden?
Bedridden has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BED). Broken into parts: BED · rid · un.
Do Americans and Brits say bedridden the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈbɛˌdrɪdən/ and the British form is /ˈbɛdrɪdən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.