How to pronounce contemptuously
Say it like kun-TEMP-choo-uh-slee. Contemptuously has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TEMP).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce contemptuously. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- kun
- TEMP
- choo
- uh
- slee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Contemptuously 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.
- TEMPSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- chooKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "oo" in food.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- sleeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of contemptuously
American and British speakers say contemptuously in essentially the same way: /kənˈtɛmptʃuəsli/ in the US and /kənˈtɛmptʃuəsli/ in the UK.
British respelling: kun-TEMP-choo-uh-slee.
What does contemptuously mean?
- In a disrespectful or discourteous manner; condescendingly.“He argued with the judge contemptuously, showing no respect or remorse for his actions.”
Where does contemptuously come from?
From contemptuous + -ly.
Questions about saying contemptuously
How do you pronounce contemptuously?
Say kun-TEMP-choo-uh-slee. The American pronunciation is /kənˈtɛmptʃuəsli/. In British English it is /kənˈtɛmptʃuəsli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in contemptuously?
Contemptuously has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TEMP). Broken into parts: kun · TEMP · choo · uh · slee.
Do Americans and Brits say contemptuously the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /kənˈtɛmptʃuəsli/ and the British form is /kənˈtɛmptʃuəsli/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.