How to pronounce metaphor
Say it like MET-uh-for. Metaphor has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MET).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce metaphor. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- MET
- uh
- for
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Metaphor pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- METSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- forKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
American vs British pronunciation of metaphor
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: MET-uh-faw.
What does metaphor mean?
- a figure of speech in which an expression is used to refer to something that it does not literally denote in order to suggest a similarity
Questions about saying metaphor
How do you pronounce metaphor?
Say MET-uh-for. The American pronunciation is /ˈmɛtəfɔr/. In British English it is /ˈmɛtəfɔː/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in metaphor?
Metaphor has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MET). Broken into parts: MET · uh · for.
Is metaphor 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 /ˈmɛtəfɔː/ (MET-uh-faw).