How to pronounce freshwater
Say it like FRESH-waw-ter. Freshwater has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FRESH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce freshwater. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- FRESH
- waw
- ter
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Freshwater pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- FRESHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- wawGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- terKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of freshwater
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: FRESH-waw-tuh.
What does freshwater mean?
- water that is not salty
Where does freshwater come from?
From Middle English freche watur, fresshe water; equivalent to fresh + water.
Questions about saying freshwater
How do you pronounce freshwater?
Say FRESH-waw-ter. The American pronunciation is /ˈfrɛʃˌwɔtɚ/. In British English it is /ˈfrɛʃˌwɔːtə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in freshwater?
Freshwater has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FRESH). Broken into parts: FRESH · waw · ter.
Is freshwater 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 /ˈfrɛʃˌwɔːtə/ (FRESH-waw-tuh).