How to pronounce guideline
Say it like GHYDE-lyne. Guideline has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (GHYDE).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce guideline. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- GHYDE
- lyne
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Guideline pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- GHYDESay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in time.
- lyneGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in time.
American vs British pronunciation of guideline
American and British speakers say guideline in essentially the same way: /ˈɡaɪdˌlaɪn/ in the US and /ˈɡaɪdˌlaɪn/ in the UK.
British respelling: GHYDE-lyne.
What does guideline mean?
- A non-specific rule or principle that provides direction to action or behavior.“He considered the Ten Commandments more as a guideline than a requirement.”
- A plan or explanation to guide one in setting standards or determining a course of action.
- A light line, used in lettering, to help align the text.
- To provide guidelines for.
Where does guideline come from?
From guide + line.
Words that rhyme with guideline
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of guideline.
Questions about saying guideline
How do you pronounce guideline?
Say GHYDE-lyne. The American pronunciation is /ˈɡaɪdˌlaɪn/. In British English it is /ˈɡaɪdˌlaɪn/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in guideline?
Guideline has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (GHYDE). Broken into parts: GHYDE · lyne.
Do Americans and Brits say guideline the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈɡaɪdˌlaɪn/ and the British form is /ˈɡaɪdˌlaɪn/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.