How to pronounce frivolity
Say it like frih-VOL-ih-tee. Frivolity has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (VOL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce frivolity. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- frih
- VOL
- ih
- tee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Frivolity pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- frihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- VOLSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- ihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- teeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of frivolity
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: frih-VOL-ih-tee.
What does frivolity mean?
- frivolous act
- state of being frivolous
Where does frivolity come from?
Borrowed from French frivolité.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying frivolity
How do you pronounce frivolity?
Say frih-VOL-ih-tee. The American pronunciation is /frɪˈvɑlɪti/. In British English it is /frɪˈvɒlɪti/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in frivolity?
Frivolity has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (VOL). Broken into parts: frih · VOL · ih · tee.
Is frivolity pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /frɪˈvɒlɪti/ (frih-VOL-ih-tee).