How to pronounce makeshift
Say it like MAYK-shift. Makeshift has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MAYK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce makeshift. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- MAYK
- shift
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Makeshift pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- MAYKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- shiftGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of makeshift
American and British speakers say makeshift in essentially the same way: /ˈmeɪkˌʃɪft/ in the US and /ˈmeɪkˌʃɪft/ in the UK.
British respelling: MAYK-shift.
What does makeshift mean?
- Made to work or suffice; improvised; substituted.“They used the ledge and a few branches for a makeshift shelter.”
- A temporary (usually insubstantial) substitution.
Where does makeshift come from?
Deverbal from make shift.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying makeshift
How do you pronounce makeshift?
Say MAYK-shift. The American pronunciation is /ˈmeɪkˌʃɪft/. In British English it is /ˈmeɪkˌʃɪft/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in makeshift?
Makeshift has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MAYK). Broken into parts: MAYK · shift.
Do Americans and Brits say makeshift the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈmeɪkˌʃɪft/ and the British form is /ˈmeɪkˌʃɪft/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.