How to pronounce counterweight
Say it like KOWN-ter-wayt. Counterweight 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 counterweight. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KOWN
- ter
- wayt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Counterweight 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.
- waytGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of counterweight
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: KOWN-tuh-wayt.
What does counterweight mean?
- A heavy mass of often iron or concrete, mechanically linked in opposition to a load which is to be raised and lowered, with the intent of reducing the amount of work which must be done to effect the raising and lowering. Counterweights are used, for example, in cable-hauled elevators and some kinds
- A counterbalance.
- To fit with a counterweight.
Where does counterweight come from?
From counter- + weight.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- balance
- counterbalance
- equalizer
- equaliser
Questions about saying counterweight
How do you pronounce counterweight?
Say KOWN-ter-wayt. The American pronunciation is /ˈkaʊntɚˌweɪt/. In British English it is /ˈkaʊntəˌweɪt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in counterweight?
Counterweight has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KOWN). Broken into parts: KOWN · ter · wayt.
Is counterweight 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 /ˈkaʊntəˌweɪt/ (KOWN-tuh-wayt).