How to pronounce monotonous
Say it like muh-NOT-uh-nus. Monotonous has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (NOT).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce monotonous. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- muh
- NOT
- uh
- nus
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Monotonous pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- muhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- NOTSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- nusKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of monotonous
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: muh-NOT-uh-nus.
What does monotonous mean?
- Having an unvarying pitch or tone.
- Tedious, repetitious, or lacking in variety.
Where does monotonous come from?
From monotone + -ous.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying monotonous
How do you pronounce monotonous?
Say muh-NOT-uh-nus. The American pronunciation is /məˈnɑtənəs/. In British English it is /məˈnɒtənəs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in monotonous?
Monotonous has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (NOT). Broken into parts: muh · NOT · uh · nus.
Is monotonous pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /məˈnɒtənəs/ (muh-NOT-uh-nus).