How to pronounce fitness
Say it like FIT-nus. Fitness has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FIT).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce fitness. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- FIT
- nus
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Fitness pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- FITSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- nusKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of fitness
American and British speakers say fitness in essentially the same way: /ˈfɪtnəs/ in the US and /ˈfɪtnɪs/ in the UK.
British respelling: FIT-nis.
What does fitness mean?
- the quality of being suitable“they had to prove their fitness for the position”
- good physical condition; being in shape or in condition
- the quality of being qualified
Where does fitness come from?
From fit + -ness. First attested in the 16th century, with the physical sense from 1935.
Words that rhyme with fitness
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of fitness.
Questions about saying fitness
How do you pronounce fitness?
Say FIT-nus. The American pronunciation is /ˈfɪtnəs/. In British English it is /ˈfɪtnɪs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in fitness?
Fitness has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FIT). Broken into parts: FIT · nus.
Do Americans and Brits say fitness the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈfɪtnəs/ and the British form is /ˈfɪtnɪs/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.