How to pronounce counterpunch
Say it like KOWN-ter-puhnch. Counterpunch 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 counterpunch. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KOWN
- ter
- puhnch
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Counterpunch 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.
- terKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- puhnchGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
American vs British pronunciation of counterpunch
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: KOWN-tuh-puhnch.
What does counterpunch mean?
- A punch delivered in response to a previous punch by somebody else, such as an opponent in a boxing match: a return blow, a retaliatory blow.
- To deliver a punch designed to exploit an opponent's momentary defensive weakness caused by a punch thrown by the opponent.
- To deliver a competitive response to an opponent designed to exploit a weakness created by the opponent's offensive efforts.
Where does counterpunch come from?
From counter- + punch.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying counterpunch
How do you pronounce counterpunch?
Say KOWN-ter-puhnch. The American pronunciation is /ˈkaʊntɚˌpʌntʃ/. In British English it is /ˈkaʊntəˌpʌntʃ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in counterpunch?
Counterpunch has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KOWN). Broken into parts: KOWN · ter · puhnch.
Is counterpunch 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 /ˈkaʊntəˌpʌntʃ/ (KOWN-tuh-puhnch).