How to pronounce latent
Say it like LAY-tunt. Latent has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LAY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce latent. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- LAY
- tunt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Latent pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- LAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- tuntKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of latent
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: LAY-tunt.
What does latent mean?
- Existing or present, but concealed or inactive.
- Remaining in an inactive or hidden phase; dormant.
- Lying dormant or hidden until circumstances are suitable for development or manifestation.
- The residue left by a person's finger that can be made visible by a process such as powder dusting; a latent fingerprint.
- An underlying cause that can be inferred from statistical correlations; factor.
- Anything that is latent.
Where does latent come from?
From Middle English latent, latente, from Old French latent, from Latin latēns, present participle of lateō (“lie hidden”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with latent
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of latent.
Questions about saying latent
How do you pronounce latent?
Say LAY-tunt. The American pronunciation is /ˈleɪtənt/. In British English it is /ˈleɪtənt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in latent?
Latent has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LAY). Broken into parts: LAY · tunt.
Is latent 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 /ˈleɪtənt/ (LAY-tunt).