How to pronounce observatory
Say it like ub-ZUR-vuh-tor-ee. Observatory has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (ZUR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce observatory. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ub
- ZUR
- vuh
- tor
- ee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Observatory pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ubKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- ZURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- vuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- torGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- eeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of observatory
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: ub-ZUR-vuh-tuh-ree.
What does observatory mean?
- a building designed and equipped to observe astronomical phenomena
- a structure commanding a wide view of its surroundings
Where does observatory come from?
Borrowed from French observatoire, equivalent to observe + -atory.
Words that rhyme with observatory
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of observatory.
Questions about saying observatory
How do you pronounce observatory?
Say ub-ZUR-vuh-tor-ee. The American pronunciation is /əbˈzɝvəˌtɔri/. In British English it is /əbˈzɜːvətəri/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in observatory?
Observatory has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (ZUR). Broken into parts: ub · ZUR · vuh · tor · ee.
Is observatory 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 /əbˈzɜːvətəri/ (ub-ZUR-vuh-tuh-ree).