How to pronounce downshift
Say it like DOWN-shift. Downshift has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DOWN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce downshift. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- DOWN
- shift
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Downshift 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.
- shiftGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of downshift
American and British speakers say downshift in essentially the same way: /ˈdaʊnˌʃɪft/ in the US and /ˈdaʊnʃɪft/ in the UK.
British respelling: DOWN-shift.
What does downshift mean?
- A change of direction or a movement downwards.
- A reduction in quality or quantity.
- A change in career or lifestyle to one which is not as well paid but less stressful and more personally rewarding.
- To reduce (something) in quality or quantity (as effect, scope, speed, etc.)
- To change (one's career or lifestyle) to one which is not as well paid but less stressful and more personally rewarding.
- To shift (a car or bicycle) into a lower gear.
Where does downshift come from?
The noun is derived from down (preposition) + shift (“slight change or movement”).
Questions about saying downshift
How do you pronounce downshift?
Say DOWN-shift. The American pronunciation is /ˈdaʊnˌʃɪft/. In British English it is /ˈdaʊnʃɪft/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in downshift?
Downshift has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DOWN). Broken into parts: DOWN · shift.
Do Americans and Brits say downshift the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈdaʊnˌʃɪft/ and the British form is /ˈdaʊnʃɪft/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.