How to pronounce downriver
Say it like down-RIV-er. Downriver has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (RIV).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce downriver. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- down
- RIV
- er
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Downriver pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- downGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ow" in now.
- RIVSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- erKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of downriver
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: down-RIV-uh.
What does downriver mean?
- Closer to the mouth of a river.“My house is downriver to his.”
- Travelling in the direction of the river current.“It is easier to paddle downriver.”
Where does downriver come from?
From down- + river.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with downriver
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of downriver.
Questions about saying downriver
How do you pronounce downriver?
Say down-RIV-er. The American pronunciation is /ˌdaʊnˈrɪvɚ/. In British English it is /ˌdaʊnˈrɪvə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in downriver?
Downriver has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (RIV). Broken into parts: down · RIV · er.
Is downriver 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 /ˌdaʊnˈrɪvə/ (down-RIV-uh).