How to pronounce embarrass
Say it like im-BER-us. Embarrass has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (BER).
- im
- BER
- us
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Embarrass pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- imKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- BERSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- usKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of embarrass
American and British speakers say embarrass in essentially the same way: /ɪmˈbɛrəs/ in the US and /ɪmˈbærəs/ in the UK.
British respelling: im-BAR-us.
What does embarrass mean?
- To disrupt someone's composure or comfort with acting publicly or freely.“The crowd's laughter and jeers embarrassed him.”
- To hinder from liberty of movement; to impede; to obstruct.“The motion was advanced in order to embarrass the progress of the bill.”
- To involve in difficulties concerning money matters; to encumber with debt; to beset with urgent claims or demands.“A man or his business is embarrassed when he cannot meet his pecuniary engagements.”
Where does embarrass come from?
Borrowed from French embarrasser, from Middle French embarrasser, embarasser (“to embarrass; to block, obstruct”), from Spanish embarazar, either from Italian imbarazzare or from Portuguese embaraçar.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with embarrass
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of embarrass.
Questions about saying embarrass
How do you pronounce embarrass?
Say im-BER-us. The American pronunciation is /ɪmˈbɛrəs/. In British English it is /ɪmˈbærəs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in embarrass?
Embarrass has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (BER). Broken into parts: im · BER · us.
Do Americans and Brits say embarrass the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ɪmˈbɛrəs/ and the British form is /ɪmˈbærəs/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.