How to pronounce espy
Say it like ES-pee. Espy has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (ES).
VoiceSpeed
US American/ˈɛspi/ES-pee
UK British/ɪˈspaɪ/ih-SPY
- ES
- pee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Espy pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ESSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- peeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of espy
- The stress moves: Americans stress syllable 1, while British speakers stress syllable 2.
British respelling: ih-SPY.
What does espy mean?
verb
- To find out or observe (someone or something, especially if not easy to see) by spying or looking; to catch sight of; to see; to spot.“to espy land to espy a man in a crowd”
- To see (someone or something) without foreplanning or unexpectedly.
Where does espy come from?
* Spanish espiar
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with espy
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of espy.
Questions about saying espy
How do you pronounce espy?
Say ES-pee. The American pronunciation is /ˈɛspi/. In British English it is /ɪˈspaɪ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in espy?
Espy has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (ES). Broken into parts: ES · pee.
Is espy pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The stress moves: Americans stress syllable 1, while British speakers stress syllable 2. The British form is /ɪˈspaɪ/ (ih-SPY).