How to pronounce preemption
Say it like pree-EMP-shun. Preemption has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (EMP).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce preemption. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- pree
- EMP
- shun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Preemption pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- preeGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- EMPSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- shunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of preemption
American and British speakers say preemption in essentially the same way: /ˌpriˈɛmpʃən/ in the US and /ˌpriːˈɛmpʃən/ in the UK.
British respelling: pree-EMP-shun.
What does preemption mean?
- The purchase of something before it is offered for sale to others.
- The purchase of public land by the occupant.
- The temporary interruption of a task without its cooperation and with the intention of resuming it at a later time.
Where does preemption come from?
From Medieval Latin praeēmptiō (“previous purchase”), from praeemō (“buy before”), from Latin prae- (“before”) + emō (“buy”).
Words that rhyme with preemption
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of preemption.
Questions about saying preemption
How do you pronounce preemption?
Say pree-EMP-shun. The American pronunciation is /ˌpriˈɛmpʃən/. In British English it is /ˌpriːˈɛmpʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in preemption?
Preemption has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (EMP). Broken into parts: pree · EMP · shun.
Do Americans and Brits say preemption the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌpriˈɛmpʃən/ and the British form is /ˌpriːˈɛmpʃən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.