How to pronounce obsess
Say it like ub-SES. Obsess has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SES).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce obsess. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ub
- SES
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Obsess 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.
- SESSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
American vs British pronunciation of obsess
American and British speakers say obsess in essentially the same way: /əbˈsɛs/ in the US and /əbˈsɛs/ in the UK.
British respelling: ub-SES.
What does obsess mean?
- To be preoccupied with a single topic or emotion.“Some people are obsessed with sports.”
- To dominate the thoughts of someone.“Thoughts of her obsess my every waking moment.”
- To think or talk obsessively about.“Stop obsessing over it, will you!”
Where does obsess come from?
From Latin obsessus, perfect passive participle of obsideō (“sit on or in, remain, besiege”), from ob- (“before”) + sedeō (“to sit”); see sit, session, etc.; compare assess, possess.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with obsess
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of obsess.
Questions about saying obsess
How do you pronounce obsess?
Say ub-SES. The American pronunciation is /əbˈsɛs/. In British English it is /əbˈsɛs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in obsess?
Obsess has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SES). Broken into parts: ub · SES.
Do Americans and Brits say obsess the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /əbˈsɛs/ and the British form is /əbˈsɛs/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.