How to pronounce behalf
Say it like bih-HAF. Behalf has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (HAF).
- bih
- HAF
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Behalf pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- bihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- HAFSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
American vs British pronunciation of behalf
- British speakers use the long "ah" vowel of father where Americans use the "a" of cat.
British respelling: bih-HAHF.
What does behalf mean?
- The interest, benefit, or wellbeing of someone or something.“She appeared on behalf of the U.N. Secretary General at a conference held in behalf of the world's children.”
- One's role or rightful place; stead or authority.
Where does behalf come from?
From Middle English bihalve (“nearby”), from Old English bī healfe (“by [his/her] side”), from bī (“by”) + healfe (“side, half”), equivalent to be- + half.
Words that rhyme with behalf
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of behalf.
Questions about saying behalf
How do you pronounce behalf?
Say bih-HAF. The American pronunciation is /bɪˈhæf/. In British English it is /bɪˈhɑːf/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in behalf?
Behalf has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (HAF). Broken into parts: bih · HAF.
Is behalf pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. British speakers use the long "ah" vowel of father where Americans use the "a" of cat. The British form is /bɪˈhɑːf/ (bih-HAHF).