How to pronounce nearest
Say it like NIR-ust. Nearest has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (NIR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce nearest. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- NIR
- ust
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Nearest pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- NIRSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- ustKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of nearest
American and British speakers say nearest in essentially the same way: /ˈnɪrəst/ in the US and /ˈnɪərɪst/ in the UK.
British respelling: NEER-rist.
What does nearest mean?
- (superlative of near or close) within the shortest distance“that was the time he came nearest to death”
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with nearest
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of nearest.
Questions about saying nearest
How do you pronounce nearest?
Say NIR-ust. The American pronunciation is /ˈnɪrəst/. In British English it is /ˈnɪərɪst/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in nearest?
Nearest has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (NIR). Broken into parts: NIR · ust.
Do Americans and Brits say nearest the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈnɪrəst/ and the British form is /ˈnɪərɪst/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.