How to pronounce devastation
Say it like dev-uh-STAY-shun. Devastation has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (STAY).
- dev
- uh
- STAY
- shun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Devastation pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- devGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- STAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- shunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of devastation
American and British speakers say devastation in essentially the same way: /ˌdɛvəˈsteɪʃən/ in the US and /ˌdɛvəˈsteɪʃən/ in the UK.
British respelling: dev-uh-STAY-shun.
What does devastation mean?
- The act of devastating, or the state of being devastated; a laying waste.
- Waste or misapplication of the assets of a deceased person by an executor or administrator; devastavit.
Where does devastation come from?
From Middle French dévastation.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with devastation
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of devastation.
- information
- education
- situation
- association
- population
- administration
- operation
- organization
- nation
- application
Questions about saying devastation
How do you pronounce devastation?
Say dev-uh-STAY-shun. The American pronunciation is /ˌdɛvəˈsteɪʃən/. In British English it is /ˌdɛvəˈsteɪʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in devastation?
Devastation has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (STAY). Broken into parts: dev · uh · STAY · shun.
Do Americans and Brits say devastation the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌdɛvəˈsteɪʃən/ and the British form is /ˌdɛvəˈsteɪʃən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.