How to pronounce overspeed
Say it like OH-ver-speed. Overspeed has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (OH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce overspeed. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- OH
- ver
- speed
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Overspeed pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- OHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "o" in go.
- verKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- speedGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of overspeed
- The stress moves: Americans stress syllable 1, while British speakers stress syllable 3.
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: oh-vuh-SPEED.
What does overspeed mean?
- To travel excessively fast or beyond the permitted rate.
- To operate an engine or machine too fast.
- To speed; to drive a vehicle faster than the permitted speed limit.
- Speed that exceeds a reasonable or permitted rate.
Where does overspeed come from?
From over- + speed.
Questions about saying overspeed
How do you pronounce overspeed?
Say OH-ver-speed. The American pronunciation is /ˈoʊvɚˌspid/. In British English it is /ˌəʊvəˈspiːd/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in overspeed?
Overspeed has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (OH). Broken into parts: OH · ver · speed.
Is overspeed pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The stress moves: Americans stress syllable 1, while British speakers stress syllable 3. The British form is /ˌəʊvəˈspiːd/ (oh-vuh-SPEED).