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How to pronounce flatten

Say it like FLAT-un. Flatten has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FLAT).

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Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce flatten. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.

US American/ˈflætən/FLAT-un
UK British/ˈflætən/FLAT-un
  • FLAT
  • un
  • Main stress
  • Lighter stress
  • Unstressed

Flatten pronunciation, sound by sound

Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.

  1. FLATSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
  2. unKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.

American vs British pronunciation of flatten

  • Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.

British respelling: FLAT-un.

What does flatten mean?

verb
  1. To make something flat or flatter.“As there was a lot of damage, we chose the heavy roller to flatten the pitch.”
  2. To press one's body tightly against a surface, such as a wall or floor, especially in order to avoid being seen or harmed.
  3. To knock down or lay low.“The prize fighter quickly flattened his challenger.”

Where does flatten come from?

From flat + -en.

Similar and opposite words

Opposite meaning

Words that rhyme with flatten

Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of flatten.

Questions about saying flatten

How do you pronounce flatten?

Say FLAT-un. The American pronunciation is /ˈflætən/. In British English it is /ˈflætən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.

How many syllables are in flatten?

Flatten has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FLAT). Broken into parts: FLAT · un.

Is flatten pronounced differently in British English?

Yes. Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t. The British form is /ˈflætən/ (FLAT-un).

Pronunciation from CMUdict; meaning and origin adapted from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0).