How to pronounce preparedness
Say it like pree-PER-ud-nus. Preparedness has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (PER).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce preparedness. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- pree
- PER
- ud
- nus
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Preparedness pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- preeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- PERSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- udKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- nusKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of preparedness
American and British speakers say preparedness in essentially the same way: /priˈpɛrədnəs/ in the US and /prɪˈpɛərɪdnɪs/ in the UK.
British respelling: prih-PAIR-rid-nis.
What does preparedness mean?
- The state of being prepared.“preparedness for battle”
- Precautionary measures in the face of potential disasters.
Where does preparedness come from?
From prepared + -ness.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying preparedness
How do you pronounce preparedness?
Say pree-PER-ud-nus. The American pronunciation is /priˈpɛrədnəs/. In British English it is /prɪˈpɛərɪdnɪs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in preparedness?
Preparedness has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (PER). Broken into parts: pree · PER · ud · nus.
Do Americans and Brits say preparedness the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /priˈpɛrədnəs/ and the British form is /prɪˈpɛərɪdnɪs/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.