How to pronounce liftoff
Say it like LIF-tawf. Liftoff has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LIF).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce liftoff. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- LIF
- tawf
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Liftoff pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- LIFSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- tawfGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
American vs British pronunciation of liftoff
American and British speakers say liftoff in essentially the same way: /ˈlɪfˌtɔf/ in the US and /ˈlɪfˌtɒf/ in the UK.
British respelling: LIF-tof.
What does liftoff mean?
- The point in the launch of a rocket or an aircraft where it leaves contact with the ground.“we have liftoff [in narration of launches]”
- The point at which a person or animal leaves the ground, as for example when jumping.
- The point of launching into success or action.
Where does liftoff come from?
Deverbal from lift off.
Questions about saying liftoff
How do you pronounce liftoff?
Say LIF-tawf. The American pronunciation is /ˈlɪfˌtɔf/. In British English it is /ˈlɪfˌtɒf/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in liftoff?
Liftoff has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LIF). Broken into parts: LIF · tawf.
Do Americans and Brits say liftoff the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈlɪfˌtɔf/ and the British form is /ˈlɪfˌtɒf/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.