How to pronounce epitaph
Say it like EP-ih-taf. Epitaph has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (EP).
VoiceSpeed
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US American/ˈɛpɪˌtæf/EP-ih-taf
UK British/ˈɛpɪˌtɑːf/EP-ih-tahf
- EP
- ih
- taf
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Epitaph pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- EPSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- ihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- tafGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
American vs British pronunciation of epitaph
- British speakers use the long "ah" vowel of father where Americans use the "a" of cat.
British respelling: EP-ih-tahf.
What does epitaph mean?
noun
- An inscription on a gravestone in memory of the deceased.
- A poem or other short text written in memory of a deceased person.
- To write or speak after the manner of an epitaph.
- To commemorate by an epitaph.
Questions about saying epitaph
How do you pronounce epitaph?
Say EP-ih-taf. The American pronunciation is /ˈɛpɪˌtæf/. In British English it is /ˈɛpɪˌtɑːf/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in epitaph?
Epitaph has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (EP). Broken into parts: EP · ih · taf.
Is epitaph pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. British speakers use the long "ah" vowel of father where Americans use the "a" of cat. The British form is /ˈɛpɪˌtɑːf/ (EP-ih-tahf).