How to pronounce nadir
Say it like NAY-dih-er. Nadir has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (NAY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce nadir. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- NAY
- dih
- er
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Nadir pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- NAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- dihGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- erKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of nadir
- American English uses 3 syllables and British English 2.
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: NAY-deer.
What does nadir mean?
- The point of the celestial sphere, directly opposite the zenith; inferior pole of the horizon; point of the celestial sphere directly under the place of observation.
- The lowest point; time of greatest depression.
- The axis of a projected conical shadow; the direction of the force of gravity at a location; down.“The nadir of the sun is the axis of the shadow projected by the Earth.”
- To extend (a beehive) by adding an empty box at the base.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying nadir
How do you pronounce nadir?
Say NAY-dih-er. The American pronunciation is /ˈneɪˌdɪɚ/. In British English it is /ˈneɪˌdɪə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in nadir?
Nadir has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (NAY). Broken into parts: NAY · dih · er.
Is nadir pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. American English uses 3 syllables and British English 2. The British form is /ˈneɪˌdɪə/ (NAY-deer).