How to pronounce fortitude
Say it like FOR-tih-tood. Fortitude has three 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 fortitude. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- FOR
- tih
- tood
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Fortitude 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.
- tihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- toodGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "oo" in food.
American vs British pronunciation of fortitude
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- British speakers add a light "y" sound before the "oo" (as in "tyoon" for tune).
British respelling: FAW-tih-tyood.
What does fortitude mean?
- Mental or emotional strength that enables courage in the face of adversity.
Where does fortitude come from?
From Middle English fortitude, from Old French, from Latin fortitūdō (“bravery, strength”), from fortis (“brave, strong”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying fortitude
How do you pronounce fortitude?
Say FOR-tih-tood. The American pronunciation is /ˈfɔrtɪˌtud/. In British English it is /ˈfɔːtɪˌtjuːd/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in fortitude?
Fortitude has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FOR). Broken into parts: FOR · tih · tood.
Is fortitude 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 /ˈfɔːtɪˌtjuːd/ (FAW-tih-tyood).