How to pronounce counteract
Say it like KOWN-tuh-rakt. Counteract has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KOWN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce counteract. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KOWN
- tuh
- rakt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Counteract pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KOWNSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ow" in now.
- tuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- raktGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
American vs British pronunciation of counteract
American and British speakers say counteract in essentially the same way: /ˈkaʊntəˌrækt/ in the US and /ˈkaʊntəˌrækt/ in the UK.
British respelling: KOWN-tuh-rakt.
What does counteract mean?
- An action performed in opposition to another action.
- To have a contrary or opposing effect or force on someone or something.
- To deliberately act in opposition to, to thwart or frustrate.
Where does counteract come from?
From counter- + act.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying counteract
How do you pronounce counteract?
Say KOWN-tuh-rakt. The American pronunciation is /ˈkaʊntəˌrækt/. In British English it is /ˈkaʊntəˌrækt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in counteract?
Counteract has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KOWN). Broken into parts: KOWN · tuh · rakt.
Do Americans and Brits say counteract the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈkaʊntəˌrækt/ and the British form is /ˈkaʊntəˌrækt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.