How to pronounce preterite
Say it like PRET-uh-rit. Preterite has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PRET).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce preterite. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- PRET
- uh
- rit
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Preterite pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PRETSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- ritKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of preterite
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: PRET-uh-rit.
What does preterite mean?
- Showing an action at a determined moment in the past.
- Belonging wholly to the past; passed by.
- A grammatical tense or verb form serving to denote events that took place or were completed in the past.
Where does preterite come from?
From Middle English preterit, from Old French preterit (13th century), from Latin praeteritum (as in tempus praeteritum (“time past”)), the past participle of praetereō (“to go by, go past”), itself from praeter (“beyond, before, above, mor
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with preterite
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of preterite.
Questions about saying preterite
How do you pronounce preterite?
Say PRET-uh-rit. The American pronunciation is /ˈprɛtərɪt/. In British English it is /ˈprɛtərɪt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in preterite?
Preterite has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PRET). Broken into parts: PRET · uh · rit.
Is preterite pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t. The British form is /ˈprɛtərɪt/ (PRET-uh-rit).