How to pronounce extortionate
Say it like ek-STOR-shuh-nut. Extortionate has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (STOR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce extortionate. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ek
- STOR
- shuh
- nut
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Extortionate pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ekKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- STORSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- shuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- nutKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of extortionate
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: ek-STAW-shuh-nut.
What does extortionate mean?
- Of, related to, or typifying extortion (“the practice of obtaining money or other property by the use of force or threats”).
- Greatly exceeding what is moderate or reasonable; exorbitant.
Where does extortionate come from?
From extortion + -ate (adjective-forming suffix).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with extortionate
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of extortionate.
Questions about saying extortionate
How do you pronounce extortionate?
Say ek-STOR-shuh-nut. The American pronunciation is /ɛkˈstɔrʃənət/. In British English it is /ɛkˈstɔːʃənət/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in extortionate?
Extortionate has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (STOR). Broken into parts: ek · STOR · shuh · nut.
Is extortionate pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ɛkˈstɔːʃənət/ (ek-STAW-shuh-nut).