How to pronounce contemplating
Say it like KAHN-tum-play-ting. Contemplating has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAHN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce contemplating. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KAHN
- tum
- play
- ting
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Contemplating pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KAHNSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- tumKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- playGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- tingKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of contemplating
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: KON-tum-play-ting.
What does contemplating mean?
- present participle and gerund of contemplate How to pronounce contemplate
Questions about saying contemplating
How do you pronounce contemplating?
Say KAHN-tum-play-ting. The American pronunciation is /ˈkɑntəmˌpleɪtɪŋ/. In British English it is /ˈkɒntəmˌpleɪtɪŋ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in contemplating?
Contemplating has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAHN). Broken into parts: KAHN · tum · play · ting.
Is contemplating pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /ˈkɒntəmˌpleɪtɪŋ/ (KON-tum-play-ting).