How to pronounce firebrand
Say it like FY-er-brand. Firebrand has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce firebrand. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- FY
- er
- brand
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Firebrand pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- FYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in time.
- erKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- brandKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
American vs British pronunciation of firebrand
- American English uses 3 syllables and British English 2.
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: FY-brand.
What does firebrand mean?
- A torch or other burning stick with a flame at one end.“The crowd cheered as a firebrand was tossed onto the huge pile of wood to start the traditional homecoming bonfire.”
- An argumentative troublemaker or revolutionary; one who agitates against the status quo.“The member of the college's Communist League was a firebrand who would launch a sit-in or protest march at a moment's notice.”
Where does firebrand come from?
From Middle English fyr-brand, furbrond, equivalent to fire + brand.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying firebrand
How do you pronounce firebrand?
Say FY-er-brand. The American pronunciation is /ˈfaɪɚbrænd/. In British English it is /ˈfaɪbrænd/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in firebrand?
Firebrand has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FY). Broken into parts: FY · er · brand.
Is firebrand pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. American English uses 3 syllables and British English 2. The British form is /ˈfaɪbrænd/ (FY-brand).