How to pronounce optimal
Say it like AHP-tuh-mul. Optimal has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AHP).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce optimal. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- AHP
- tuh
- mul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Optimal pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- AHPSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- tuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- mulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of optimal
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: OP-tih-mul.
What does optimal mean?
- most desirable possible under a restriction expressed or implied“an optimum return on capital”“optimal concentration of a drug”
Where does optimal come from?
From Latin optimus (“best”) + English -al.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying optimal
How do you pronounce optimal?
Say AHP-tuh-mul. The American pronunciation is /ˈɑptəməl/. In British English it is /ˈɒptɪməl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in optimal?
Optimal has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AHP). Broken into parts: AHP · tuh · mul.
Is optimal 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 /ˈɒptɪməl/ (OP-tih-mul).