How to pronounce forfeit
Say it like FOR-fit. Forfeit has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FOR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce forfeit. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- FOR
- fit
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Forfeit pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- FORSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- fitKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of forfeit
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: FAW-fit.
What does forfeit mean?
- To suffer the loss of something by wrongdoing or non-compliance“He forfeited his last chance of an early release from jail by repeatedly attacking another inmate.”
- To lose a contest, game, match, or other form of competition by voluntary withdrawal, by failing to attend or participate, or by violation of the rules“Because only nine players were present, the football team was forced to forfeit the game.”
- To be guilty of a misdeed; to be criminal; to transgress.
- Lost or alienated for an offense or crime; liable to penal seizure.
- A penalty for or consequence of a misdemeanor.
- A thing forfeited; that which is taken from somebody in requital of a misdeed committed; that which is lost, or the right to which is alienated, by a crime, breach of contract, etc.“He who murders pays the forfeit of his own life.”
- Something deposited and redeemable by a sportive fine as part of a game.
Where does forfeit come from?
From Middle English forfait from ca.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying forfeit
How do you pronounce forfeit?
Say FOR-fit. The American pronunciation is /ˈfɔrfɪt/. In British English it is /ˈfɔːfɪt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in forfeit?
Forfeit has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FOR). Broken into parts: FOR · fit.
Is forfeit pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈfɔːfɪt/ (FAW-fit).