How to pronounce contretemps
Say it like KON-truh-to. Contretemps has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KON).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce contretemps. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KON
- truh
- to
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Contretemps pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KONSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- truhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- toKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
American vs British pronunciation of contretemps
- 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-truh-tahng.
What does contretemps mean?
- An unforeseen, inopportune, or embarrassing event.
- An ill-timed pass.
Where does contretemps come from?
Borrowed from French contretemps.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying contretemps
How do you pronounce contretemps?
Say KON-truh-to. The American pronunciation is /ˈkɑntrətɑ/. In British English it is /ˈkɒntrətɑŋ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in contretemps?
Contretemps has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KON). Broken into parts: KON · truh · to.
Is contretemps 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 /ˈkɒntrətɑŋ/ (KON-truh-tahng).