How to pronounce invertebrate
Say it like in-VUR-tuh-brut. Invertebrate has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (VUR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce invertebrate. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- in
- VUR
- tuh
- brut
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Invertebrate 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.
- VURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- tuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- brutKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of invertebrate
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: in-VUR-tuh-brut.
What does invertebrate mean?
- An animal without vertebrae (i.e., without a backbone).
- A spineless person; a coward.
- Without a backbone: without vertebrae.
- Cowardly, uncourageous; lacking character.
Where does invertebrate come from?
From in- + vertebrate.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying invertebrate
How do you pronounce invertebrate?
Say in-VUR-tuh-brut. The American pronunciation is /ˌɪnˈvɝtəbrət/. In British English it is /ˌɪnˈvɜːtəbrət/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in invertebrate?
Invertebrate has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (VUR). Broken into parts: in · VUR · tuh · brut.
Is invertebrate pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˌɪnˈvɜːtəbrət/ (in-VUR-tuh-brut).