How to pronounce lateness
Say it like LAYT-nis. Lateness has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LAYT).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce lateness. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- LAYT
- nis
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Lateness pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- LAYTSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- nisKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of lateness
American and British speakers say lateness in essentially the same way: /ˈleɪtnɪs/ in the US and /ˈleɪtnɪs/ in the UK.
British respelling: LAYT-nis.
What does lateness mean?
- The state of being late.“His chronic lateness will cost him a promotion if not his job.”
Where does lateness come from?
From late + -ness.
Questions about saying lateness
How do you pronounce lateness?
Say LAYT-nis. The American pronunciation is /ˈleɪtnɪs/. In British English it is /ˈleɪtnɪs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in lateness?
Lateness has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LAYT). Broken into parts: LAYT · nis.
Do Americans and Brits say lateness the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈleɪtnɪs/ and the British form is /ˈleɪtnɪs/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.