How to pronounce portentous
Say it like por-TEN-tus. Portentous has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TEN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce portentous. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- por
- TEN
- tus
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Portentous pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- porKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- TENSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- tusKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of portentous
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: paw-TEN-tus.
What does portentous mean?
- Of momentous or ominous significance.
- Ominously prophetic.
- Puffed up with vanity.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with portentous
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of portentous.
Questions about saying portentous
How do you pronounce portentous?
Say por-TEN-tus. The American pronunciation is /pɔrˈtɛntəs/. In British English it is /pɔːˈtɛntəs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in portentous?
Portentous has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TEN). Broken into parts: por · TEN · tus.
Is portentous pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /pɔːˈtɛntəs/ (paw-TEN-tus).