How to pronounce optimum
Say it like OP-tuh-mum. Optimum has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (OP).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce optimum. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- OP
- tuh
- mum
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Optimum pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- OPSay 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.
- mumKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of optimum
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: OP-tih-mum.
What does optimum mean?
- most favorable conditions or greatest degree or amount possible under given circumstances
- most desirable possible under a restriction expressed or implied“an optimum return on capital”“optimal concentration of a drug”
Where does optimum come from?
From New Latin, neuter of Latin optimus (“best, very good”), from the root in ops (“work”) or omnis (“all”).
Questions about saying optimum
How do you pronounce optimum?
Say OP-tuh-mum. The American pronunciation is /ˈɑptəməm/. In British English it is /ˈɒptɪməm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in optimum?
Optimum has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (OP). Broken into parts: OP · tuh · mum.
Is optimum 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 /ˈɒptɪməm/ (OP-tih-mum).