How to pronounce contortionist
Say it like kun-TOR-shuh-nust. Contortionist has four 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 contortionist. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- kun
- TOR
- shuh
- nust
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Contortionist 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.
- shuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- nustKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of contortionist
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: kun-TAW-shuh-nust.
What does contortionist mean?
- An acrobat who is capable of twisting their body into unusual positions.
- One who twists words and phrases.
Where does contortionist come from?
From contortion + -ist.
Questions about saying contortionist
How do you pronounce contortionist?
Say kun-TOR-shuh-nust. The American pronunciation is /kənˈtɔrʃənəst/. In British English it is /kənˈtɔːʃənəst/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in contortionist?
Contortionist has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TOR). Broken into parts: kun · TOR · shuh · nust.
Is contortionist 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 /kənˈtɔːʃənəst/ (kun-TAW-shuh-nust).