How to pronounce hostile
Say it like HOS-tul. Hostile has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (HOS).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce hostile. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- HOS
- tul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Hostile pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- HOSSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- tulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of hostile
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: HOS-tyle.
Other ways to say hostile
Hostile also has this pronunciation, usually with a different meaning or use:
- hah-STYLE /hɑˈstaɪl/
What does hostile mean?
- characterized by enmity or ill will“a hostile nation”“a hostile remark”
- not belonging to your own country's forces or those of an ally“hostile naval and air forces”
- impossible to bring into friendly accord“hostile factions”
- troops belonging to the enemy's military forces“the platoon ran into a pack of hostiles”
Where does hostile come from?
Borrowed from Middle French hostile, from Latin hostīlis, from hostis (“enemy”).
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with hostile
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of hostile.
Words that sound like hostile
Questions about saying hostile
How do you pronounce hostile?
Say HOS-tul. The American pronunciation is /ˈhɑstəl/. In British English it is /ˈhɒstaɪl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in hostile?
Hostile has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (HOS). Broken into parts: HOS · tul.
Is hostile 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 /ˈhɒstaɪl/ (HOS-tyle).
What words sound the same as hostile?
Hostile sounds the same as hostel in American English. The spelling and meaning are what tell them apart.