How to pronounce esteem
Say it like uh-STEEM. Esteem has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (STEEM).
- uh
- STEEM
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Esteem pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- STEEMSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of esteem
American and British speakers say esteem in essentially the same way: /əˈstim/ in the US and /ɪˈstiːm/ in the UK.
British respelling: ih-STEEM.
What does esteem mean?
- the condition of being honored (esteemed or respected or well regarded)“it is held in esteem”“a man who has earned high regard”
- a feeling of delighted approval and liking
- an attitude of admiration or esteem“she lost all respect for him”
- regard highly; think much of“I respect his judgement”“We prize his creativity”
- look on as or consider“she looked on this affair as a joke”“He thinks of himself as a brilliant musician”
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with esteem
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of esteem.
Questions about saying esteem
How do you pronounce esteem?
Say uh-STEEM. The American pronunciation is /əˈstim/. In British English it is /ɪˈstiːm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in esteem?
Esteem has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (STEEM). Broken into parts: uh · STEEM.
Do Americans and Brits say esteem the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /əˈstim/ and the British form is /ɪˈstiːm/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.