How to pronounce debtor
Say it like DET-er. Debtor has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DET).
- DET
- er
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Debtor pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- DETSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- erKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of debtor
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: DET-uh.
What does debtor mean?
- A person or firm that owes money; one in debt; one who owes a debt.“The debtor agreed to repay the loan within six months.”
- One who owes another anything, or is under obligation, arising from express agreement, implication of law, or principles of natural justice, to pay money or to fulfill some other obligation; in bankruptcy or similar proceedings, the person who is the subject of the proceeding.“As a debtor, he faced constant letters from the bank.”
Where does debtor come from?
From Middle English dettour, from Old French detour, from Latin debitor, equivalent to debt + -or.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- debitor
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with debtor
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of debtor.
Questions about saying debtor
How do you pronounce debtor?
Say DET-er. The American pronunciation is /ˈdɛtɚ/. In British English it is /ˈdɛtə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in debtor?
Debtor has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DET). Broken into parts: DET · er.
Is debtor 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 /ˈdɛtə/ (DET-uh).