How to pronounce grasp
Say it like GRASP. Grasp is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress.
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce grasp. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- GRASP
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Grasp pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- GRASPSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
American vs British pronunciation of grasp
- British speakers use the long "ah" vowel of father where Americans use the "a" of cat.
British respelling: GRAHSP.
What does grasp mean?
- hold firmly
- get the meaning of something“Do you comprehend the meaning of this letter?”
- understanding of the nature or meaning or quality or magnitude of something“he has a good grasp of accounting practices”
- the limit of capability“within the compass of education”
- an intellectual hold or understanding“a good grip on French history”“they kept a firm grip on the two top priorities”
Where does grasp come from?
Cognate with Saterland Frisian grapsje (“to grab, grasp”), German Low German grapsen (“to grab; grasp”), German grapsen and grapschen, Old English grāpian ("to touch, feel, grasp"; > Modern English grope).
Words that rhyme with grasp
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of grasp.
Questions about saying grasp
How do you pronounce grasp?
Say GRASP. The American pronunciation is /ɡræsp/. In British English it is /ɡrɑːsp/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in grasp?
Grasp is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress. Broken into parts: GRASP.
Is grasp pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. British speakers use the long "ah" vowel of father where Americans use the "a" of cat. The British form is /ɡrɑːsp/ (GRAHSP).