How to pronounce fasten
Say it like FAS-un. Fasten has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FAS).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce fasten. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- FAS
- un
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Tip: The t is silent: 'FASS-un'. The same happens in hasten and glisten.
Fasten pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- FASSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- unKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of fasten
- British speakers use the long "ah" vowel of father where Americans use the "a" of cat.
British respelling: FAH-sun.
What does fasten mean?
- To attach or connect in a secure manner.“The sailor fastened the boat to the dock with a half-hitch.”
- To cause to take close effect; to make to tell; to land.“to fasten a blow”
Where does fasten come from?
From Middle English fastenen, from Old English fæstnian, from Proto-West Germanic *fastinōn (“to secure, fasten”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with fasten
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of fasten.
Questions about saying fasten
How do you pronounce fasten?
Say FAS-un. The American pronunciation is /ˈfæsən/. In British English it is /ˈfɑːsən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in fasten?
Fasten has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FAS). Broken into parts: FAS · un.
Is fasten 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 /ˈfɑːsən/ (FAH-sun).