How to pronounce certainty
Say it like SUR-tun-tee. Certainty has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SUR).
- SUR
- tun
- tee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Certainty 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.
- teeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of certainty
- 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-tee.
What does certainty mean?
- The state of being certain.“with certainty”
- An instance of being certain.
- A fact or truth unquestionably established.
Where does certainty come from?
From Middle English certeynte (“surety”), from Anglo-Norman certeinte, from Old French certeinete, from Vulgar Latin *certānitās, from Latin certus.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying certainty
How do you pronounce certainty?
Say SUR-tun-tee. The American pronunciation is /ˈsɝtənti/. In British English it is /ˈsɜːtənti/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in certainty?
Certainty has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SUR). Broken into parts: SUR · tun · tee.
Is certainty 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 /ˈsɜːtənti/ (SUR-tun-tee).