How to pronounce linear
Say it like LIN-ee-er. Linear has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LIN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce linear. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- LIN
- ee
- er
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Linear pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- LINSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- eeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- erKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of linear
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: LIN-ee-uh.
What does linear mean?
- designating or involving an equation whose terms are of the first degree
- of or in or along or relating to a line; involving or having a single dimension“a linear measurement”
- of a circuit or device having an output that is proportional to the input“analogue device”“linear amplifier”
Where does linear come from?
Borrowed from Latin līneāris, from līnea (“line”) + -āris (adjectival suffix), equivalent to line + -ar.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying linear
How do you pronounce linear?
Say LIN-ee-er. The American pronunciation is /ˈlɪniɚ/. In British English it is /ˈlɪniə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in linear?
Linear has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LIN). Broken into parts: LIN · ee · er.
Is linear 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 /ˈlɪniə/ (LIN-ee-uh).