How to pronounce portrait
Say it like POR-trut. Portrait has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (POR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce portrait. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- POR
- trut
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Portrait pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PORSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- trutKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of portrait
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: PAW-trit.
What does portrait mean?
- a word picture of a person's appearance and character
- any likeness of a person, in any medium“the photographer made excellent portraits”
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying portrait
How do you pronounce portrait?
Say POR-trut. The American pronunciation is /ˈpɔrtrət/. In British English it is /ˈpɔːtrɪt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in portrait?
Portrait has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (POR). Broken into parts: POR · trut.
Is portrait 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 /ˈpɔːtrɪt/ (PAW-trit).