How to pronounce constraint
Say it like kun-STRAYNT. Constraint has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (STRAYNT).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce constraint. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- kun
- STRAYNT
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Constraint pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- kunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- STRAYNTSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of constraint
American and British speakers say constraint in essentially the same way: /kənˈstreɪnt/ in the US and /kənˈstreɪnt/ in the UK.
British respelling: kun-STRAYNT.
What does constraint mean?
- Something that constrains; a restriction.“An engineer must recognize the difference between a constraint (to work within) and a problem (to be eliminated via resolution).”
- An irresistible force or compulsion.“They confessed, but only under severe constraint.”
- The repression of one's feelings.
Where does constraint come from?
From Middle English constreynt, constreynte, from Old French constreinte, past participle of constreindre (“to constrain”), from Latin cōnstringō (corresponding to the past participle cōnstrictus).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with constraint
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of constraint.
Questions about saying constraint
How do you pronounce constraint?
Say kun-STRAYNT. The American pronunciation is /kənˈstreɪnt/. In British English it is /kənˈstreɪnt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in constraint?
Constraint has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (STRAYNT). Broken into parts: kun · STRAYNT.
Do Americans and Brits say constraint the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /kənˈstreɪnt/ and the British form is /kənˈstreɪnt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.