How to pronounce foolproof
Say it like FOOL-proof. Foolproof has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FOOL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce foolproof. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- FOOL
- proof
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Foolproof pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- FOOLSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "oo" in food.
- proofGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "oo" in food.
American vs British pronunciation of foolproof
American and British speakers say foolproof in essentially the same way: /ˈfulˌpruf/ in the US and /ˈfuːlˌpruːf/ in the UK.
British respelling: FOOL-proof.
What does foolproof mean?
- Of a device: protected against, or designed to be proof against, misuse or error.
- Of an idea or plan: certain to succeed in all eventualities, or claimed to be so; infallible.
- To render (something) foolproof.“We foolproofed the operations.”
Where does foolproof come from?
From fool + -proof.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying foolproof
How do you pronounce foolproof?
Say FOOL-proof. The American pronunciation is /ˈfulˌpruf/. In British English it is /ˈfuːlˌpruːf/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in foolproof?
Foolproof has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FOOL). Broken into parts: FOOL · proof.
Do Americans and Brits say foolproof the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈfulˌpruf/ and the British form is /ˈfuːlˌpruːf/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.