How to pronounce observation
Say it like ahb-zer-VAY-shun. Observation has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (VAY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce observation. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ahb
- zer
- VAY
- shun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Observation pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ahbGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- zerKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- VAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- shunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of observation
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: ob-zuh-VAY-shun.
What does observation mean?
- the act of making and recording a measurement
- the act of observing; taking a patient look
- a remark expressing careful consideration
Where does observation come from?
Morphologically observe + -ation.
Words that rhyme with observation
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of observation.
Questions about saying observation
How do you pronounce observation?
Say ahb-zer-VAY-shun. The American pronunciation is /ˌɑbzɚˈveɪʃən/. In British English it is /ˌɒbzəˈveɪʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in observation?
Observation has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (VAY). Broken into parts: ahb · zer · VAY · shun.
Is observation 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 /ˌɒbzəˈveɪʃən/ (ob-zuh-VAY-shun).