How to pronounce obsolete
Say it like OB-suh-leet. Obsolete has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (OB).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce obsolete. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- OB
- suh
- leet
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Obsolete pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- OBSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- suhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- leetGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of obsolete
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: OB-suh-leet.
Other ways to say obsolete
Obsolete also has this pronunciation, usually with a different meaning or use:
- ahb-suh-LEET /ˌɑbsəˈlit/
What does obsolete mean?
- no longer in use“obsolete words”
Where does obsolete come from?
Borrowed from Latin obsolētus (“worn out, gone out of use”), past participle of obsolēscere (“to wear out, fall into disuse, grow old, decay”); see obsolesce.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying obsolete
How do you pronounce obsolete?
Say OB-suh-leet. The American pronunciation is /ˈɑbsəˌlit/. In British English it is /ˈɒbsəliːt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in obsolete?
Obsolete has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (OB). Broken into parts: OB · suh · leet.
Is obsolete pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /ˈɒbsəliːt/ (OB-suh-leet).