How to pronounce fretfulness
Say it like FRET-ful-nis. Fretfulness has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FRET).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce fretfulness. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- FRET
- ful
- nis
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Fretfulness pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- FRETSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- fulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- nisKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of fretfulness
American and British speakers say fretfulness in essentially the same way: /ˈfrɛtfəlnɪs/ in the US and /ˈfrɛtfəlnɪs/ in the UK.
British respelling: FRET-ful-nis.
What does fretfulness mean?
- The quality of being fretful, or prone to fretting; an emotional state combining restlessness, anxiety and irritability.
- Prone to crying, not sleeping well.
Where does fretfulness come from?
From fretful + -ness.
Questions about saying fretfulness
How do you pronounce fretfulness?
Say FRET-ful-nis. The American pronunciation is /ˈfrɛtfəlnɪs/. In British English it is /ˈfrɛtfəlnɪs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in fretfulness?
Fretfulness has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FRET). Broken into parts: FRET · ful · nis.
Do Americans and Brits say fretfulness the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈfrɛtfəlnɪs/ and the British form is /ˈfrɛtfəlnɪs/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.