How to pronounce inappropriate
Say it like in-uh-PROH-pree-it. Inappropriate has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (PROH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce inappropriate. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- in
- uh
- PROH
- pree
- it
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Inappropriate pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- inGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- PROHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "o" in go.
- preeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- itKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of inappropriate
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: in-uh-PROH-pree-ut.
What does inappropriate mean?
- not suitable for a particular occasion etc“noise seems inappropriate at a time of sadness”“inappropriate shoes for a walk on the beach”
- not in keeping with what is correct or proper“completely inappropriate behavior”
Where does inappropriate come from?
From in- + appropriate.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying inappropriate
How do you pronounce inappropriate?
Say in-uh-PROH-pree-it. The American pronunciation is /ˌɪnəˈproʊpriɪt/. In British English it is /ˌɪnəˈprəʊpriət/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in inappropriate?
Inappropriate has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (PROH). Broken into parts: in · uh · PROH · pree · it.
Is inappropriate pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh". The British form is /ˌɪnəˈprəʊpriət/ (in-uh-PROH-pree-ut).