How to pronounce counterclockwise
Say it like kown-ter-KLAW-kwyze. Counterclockwise has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (KLAW).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce counterclockwise. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- kown
- ter
- KLAW
- kwyze
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Counterclockwise pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- kownGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ow" in now.
- terKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- KLAWSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- kwyzeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in time.
American vs British pronunciation of counterclockwise
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: kown-tuh-KLAW-kwyze.
What does counterclockwise mean?
- Moving or located in the direction of rotation opposite from clockwise.
- In the direction of rotation opposite from clockwise.
Where does counterclockwise come from?
From counter- + clock + -wise.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying counterclockwise
How do you pronounce counterclockwise?
Say kown-ter-KLAW-kwyze. The American pronunciation is /ˌkaʊntɚˈklɔkwaɪz/. In British English it is /ˌkaʊntəˈklɔːkwaɪz/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in counterclockwise?
Counterclockwise has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (KLAW). Broken into parts: kown · ter · KLAW · kwyze.
Is counterclockwise 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 /ˌkaʊntəˈklɔːkwaɪz/ (kown-tuh-KLAW-kwyze).