How to pronounce format
Say it like FOR-mat. Format has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FOR).
- FOR
- mat
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Format 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.
- matGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
American vs British pronunciation of format
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: FAW-mat.
What does format mean?
- the organization of information according to preset specifications (usually for computer processing)
- the general appearance of a publication
- set (printed matter) into a specific format“Format this letter so it can be printed out”
- determine the arrangement of (data) for storage and display (in computer science)
- divide (a disk) into marked sectors so that it may store data“Please format this disk before entering data!”
Where does format come from?
Via French format and German Format, from New Latin liber fōrmātus (“book fashioned”), from fōrmō (“to shape, fashion”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with format
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of format.
Questions about saying format
How do you pronounce format?
Say FOR-mat. The American pronunciation is /ˈfɔrˌmæt/. In British English it is /ˈfɔːˌmæt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in format?
Format has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FOR). Broken into parts: FOR · mat.
Is format 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 /ˈfɔːˌmæt/ (FAW-mat).