How to pronounce pondering
Say it like PON-duh-ring. Pondering has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PON).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce pondering. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- PON
- duh
- ring
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Pondering pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PONSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- duhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- ringKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of pondering
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: PON-duh-ring.
What does pondering mean?
- present participle and gerund of ponder How to pronounce ponder
- An act of rumination or cogitation.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with pondering
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of pondering.
Questions about saying pondering
How do you pronounce pondering?
Say PON-duh-ring. The American pronunciation is /ˈpɑndərɪŋ/. In British English it is /ˈpɒndərɪŋ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in pondering?
Pondering has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PON). Broken into parts: PON · duh · ring.
Is pondering 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 /ˈpɒndərɪŋ/ (PON-duh-ring).