How to pronounce catastrophe
Say it like kuh-TAS-truh-fee. Catastrophe has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TAS).
- kuh
- TAS
- truh
- fee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Tip: Four syllables, ending in 'fee': 'kuh-TASS-truh-fee'.
Catastrophe pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- kuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- TASSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- truhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- feeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of catastrophe
American and British speakers say catastrophe in essentially the same way: /kəˈtæstrəfi/ in the US and /kəˈtæstrəfi/ in the UK.
British respelling: kuh-TAS-truh-fee.
What does catastrophe mean?
- Any large and disastrous event of great significance.“The Chernobyl disaster was a catastrophe.”
- A disaster beyond expectations.
- The dramatic event that initiates the resolution of the plot; the dénouement.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying catastrophe
How do you pronounce catastrophe?
Say kuh-TAS-truh-fee. The American pronunciation is /kəˈtæstrəfi/. In British English it is /kəˈtæstrəfi/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in catastrophe?
Catastrophe has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TAS). Broken into parts: kuh · TAS · truh · fee.
Do Americans and Brits say catastrophe the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /kəˈtæstrəfi/ and the British form is /kəˈtæstrəfi/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.