How to pronounce neither
Say it like NEE-ther. Neither has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (NEE).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce neither. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- NEE
- ther
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Neither pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- NEESay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- therKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of neither
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: NEE-thuh.
Other ways to say neither
Neither also has this pronunciation, usually with a different meaning or use:
- NY-ther /ˈnaɪðɚ/
What does neither mean?
- not either; not one or the other
Where does neither come from?
Alteration (after either) of nauther, from Middle English neiþer, from Old English nāwþer, contraction of nāhwæþer, corresponding to no + whether.
Words that rhyme with neither
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of neither.
Questions about saying neither
How do you pronounce neither?
Say NEE-ther. The American pronunciation is /ˈniðɚ/. In British English it is /ˈniːðə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in neither?
Neither has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (NEE). Broken into parts: NEE · ther.
Is neither 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 /ˈniːðə/ (NEE-thuh).