How to pronounce prescribe
Say it like pruh-SKRYBE. Prescribe has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SKRYBE).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce prescribe. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- pruh
- SKRYBE
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Prescribe pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- pruhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- SKRYBESay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in time.
American vs British pronunciation of prescribe
American and British speakers say prescribe in essentially the same way: /prəˈskraɪb/ in the US and /prɪˈskraɪb/ in the UK.
British respelling: prih-SKRYBE.
What does prescribe mean?
- To order (a drug or medical device) for use by a particular patient (under licensed authority).“The doctor prescribed aspirin.”
- To specify by writing as a required procedure or ritual; to lay down authoritatively as a guide, direction, or rule of action.“The property meets the criteria prescribed by the regulations.”
- To develop or assert a right; to make a claim (by prescription).
Where does prescribe come from?
Borrowed from Latin praescrībere, from prae- (“before, in front”) and scrībere (“to write”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with prescribe
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of prescribe.
Questions about saying prescribe
How do you pronounce prescribe?
Say pruh-SKRYBE. The American pronunciation is /prəˈskraɪb/. In British English it is /prɪˈskraɪb/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in prescribe?
Prescribe has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SKRYBE). Broken into parts: pruh · SKRYBE.
Do Americans and Brits say prescribe the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /prəˈskraɪb/ and the British form is /prɪˈskraɪb/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.