How to pronounce option
Say it like OP-shun. Option has two 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 option. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- OP
- shun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Option 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.
- shunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of option
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: OP-shun.
Other ways to say option
Option also has this pronunciation, usually with a different meaning or use:
- AWP-shun /ˈɔpʃən/
What does option mean?
- the right to buy or sell property at an agreed price; the right is purchased and if it is not exercised by a stated date the money is forfeited
- one of a number of things from which only one can be chosen“what option did I have?”“there is no other alternative”
- the act of choosing or selecting“your choice of colors was unfortunate”“you can take your pick”
Where does option come from?
From French option, from Latin optiō (“choice; option; act of choosing”), from optō (“to choose, select”).
Questions about saying option
How do you pronounce option?
Say OP-shun. The American pronunciation is /ˈɑpʃən/. In British English it is /ˈɒpʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in option?
Option has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (OP). Broken into parts: OP · shun.
Is option 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 /ˈɒpʃən/ (OP-shun).