How to pronounce certain
Say it like SUR-tun. Certain has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SUR).
- SUR
- tun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Certain pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- tunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of certain
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: SUR-tun.
What does certain mean?
- Sure in one's mind, positive; absolutely confident in the truth of something.“I was certain of my decision.”
- Not to be doubted or denied; established as a fact.“Now that more experiments have been run, the theory is certain and the argument is settled.”
- Sure to happen, inevitable; assured.“It is certain that Spain will reach the finals. / Spain is now certain to reach the finals. / Spain is now certain of a place in the finals.”
- Having been determined but not specified.“Certain people are good at running.”
- Unnamed or undescribed members (of).“She mentioned a series of contracts, of which certain are not cited.”
Where does certain come from?
From Middle English certeyn, certein, certain, borrowed from Old French certain, from a Vulgar Latin unattested form *certānus, extended form of Latin certus (“fixed, resolved, certain”), of the same origin as cretus, past participle of cer
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with certain
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of certain.
Questions about saying certain
How do you pronounce certain?
Say SUR-tun. The American pronunciation is /ˈsɝtən/. In British English it is /ˈsɜːtən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in certain?
Certain has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SUR). Broken into parts: SUR · tun.
Is certain 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 /ˈsɜːtən/ (SUR-tun).