How to pronounce downfall
Say it like DOWN-fawl. Downfall has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DOWN).
- DOWN
- fawl
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Downfall pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- DOWNSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ow" in now.
- fawlGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
American vs British pronunciation of downfall
American and British speakers say downfall in essentially the same way: /ˈdaʊnˌfɔl/ in the US and /ˈdaʊnˌfɔːl/ in the UK.
British respelling: DOWN-fawl.
What does downfall mean?
- failure that results in a loss of position or reputation
- the falling to earth of any form of water (rain or snow or hail or sleet or mist)
- a sudden decline in strength or number or importance“the fall of the House of Hapsburg”
Where does downfall come from?
From down- + fall. In this spelling, from 16th century; spelled as two words from 13th century.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying downfall
How do you pronounce downfall?
Say DOWN-fawl. The American pronunciation is /ˈdaʊnˌfɔl/. In British English it is /ˈdaʊnˌfɔːl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in downfall?
Downfall has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DOWN). Broken into parts: DOWN · fawl.
Do Americans and Brits say downfall the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈdaʊnˌfɔl/ and the British form is /ˈdaʊnˌfɔːl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.