How to pronounce contortion
Say it like kun-TOR-shun. Contortion has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TOR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce contortion. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- kun
- TOR
- shun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Contortion 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.
- TORSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- shunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of contortion
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: kun-TAW-shun.
What does contortion mean?
- The act or result of contorting; the state of being contorted: the twisting of something, especially oneself.
- A performance art involving the dramatic bending and flexing of the body, showcasing extreme physical flexibility.
Where does contortion come from?
Derived from Middle French contortion, from Latin contortiō.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with contortion
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of contortion.
Questions about saying contortion
How do you pronounce contortion?
Say kun-TOR-shun. The American pronunciation is /kənˈtɔrʃən/. In British English it is /kənˈtɔːʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in contortion?
Contortion has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TOR). Broken into parts: kun · TOR · shun.
Is contortion 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 /kənˈtɔːʃən/ (kun-TAW-shun).