How to pronounce irritating
Say it like IR-uh-tay-ting. Irritating has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (IR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce irritating. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- IR
- uh
- tay
- ting
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Irritating pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- IRSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- tayGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- tingKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of irritating
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: IR-uh-tay-ting.
What does irritating mean?
- causing irritation or annoyance“tapping an annoying rhythm on his glass with his fork”“aircraft noise is particularly bothersome near the airport”
- (used of physical stimuli) serving to stimulate or excite“an irritative agent”
- causing physical discomfort“bites of black flies are more than irritating; they can be very painful”
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying irritating
How do you pronounce irritating?
Say IR-uh-tay-ting. The American pronunciation is /ˈɪrəˌteɪtɪŋ/. In British English it is /ˈɪrəˌteɪtɪŋ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in irritating?
Irritating has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (IR). Broken into parts: IR · uh · tay · ting.
Is irritating pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t. The British form is /ˈɪrəˌteɪtɪŋ/ (IR-uh-tay-ting).