How to pronounce contracted
Say it like KAHN-trak-tud. Contracted has three 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 contracted. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KAHN
- trak
- tud
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Contracted 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.
- trakKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- tudKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of contracted
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: KON-trak-tud.
What does contracted mean?
- reduced in size or pulled together“the contracted pupils of her eyes”
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying contracted
How do you pronounce contracted?
Say KAHN-trak-tud. The American pronunciation is /ˈkɑntræktəd/. In British English it is /ˈkɒntræktəd/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in contracted?
Contracted has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAHN). Broken into parts: KAHN · trak · tud.
Is contracted 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 /ˈkɒntræktəd/ (KON-trak-tud).