How to pronounce payback
Say it like PAY-bak. Payback has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PAY).
- PAY
- bak
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Payback pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- bakGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
American vs British pronunciation of payback
American and British speakers say payback in essentially the same way: /ˈpeɪˌbæk/ in the US and /ˈpeɪbæk/ in the UK.
British respelling: PAY-bak.
What does payback mean?
- An act of revenge.“They beat us last year, so this year's win was payback.”
- A benefit, reward, a form of recompense.
- A return on investment.
Where does payback come from?
Deverbal from pay back.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with payback
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of payback.
Questions about saying payback
How do you pronounce payback?
Say PAY-bak. The American pronunciation is /ˈpeɪˌbæk/. In British English it is /ˈpeɪbæk/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in payback?
Payback has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PAY). Broken into parts: PAY · bak.
Do Americans and Brits say payback the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈpeɪˌbæk/ and the British form is /ˈpeɪbæk/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.