How to pronounce probation
Say it like proh-BAY-shun. Probation has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (BAY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce probation. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- proh
- BAY
- shun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Probation pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- prohKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "o" in go.
- BAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- shunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of probation
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: proh-BAY-shun.
What does probation mean?
- a trial period during which your character and abilities are tested to see whether you are suitable for work or for membership
- a trial period during which an offender has time to redeem himself or herself
- (law) a way of dealing with offenders without imprisoning them; a defendant found guilty of a crime is released by the court without imprisonment subject to conditions imposed by the court“probation is part of the sentencing process”
Where does probation come from?
Inherited from Middle English probacioun, from Middle French probation, from Old French probacion, from Latin probatio (“a trying, inspection, examination”), from probare, past participle probatus (“to test, examine”); see probate, probe, prove.
Words that rhyme with probation
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of probation.
Questions about saying probation
How do you pronounce probation?
Say proh-BAY-shun. The American pronunciation is /proʊˈbeɪʃən/. In British English it is /ˌprəʊˈbeɪʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in probation?
Probation has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (BAY). Broken into parts: proh · BAY · shun.
Is probation pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh". The British form is /ˌprəʊˈbeɪʃən/ (proh-BAY-shun).