How to pronounce protest
Say it like pruh-TEST. Protest has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TEST).
- pruh
- TEST
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Protest 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.
- TESTSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
American vs British pronunciation of protest
American and British speakers say protest in essentially the same way: /prəˈtɛst/ in the US and /prəˈtɛst/ in the UK.
British respelling: pruh-TEST.
Other ways to say protest
Protest also has this pronunciation, usually with a different meaning or use:
- PROH-test /ˈproʊˌtɛst/
What does protest mean?
- To make a strong objection.“How dare you, I protest!”
- To affirm (something).“I protest my innocence.”
- To object to.
- A formal objection, especially one by a group.“They lodged a protest with the authorities.”
- A collective gesture of disapproval; a demonstration.“We held a protest in front of City Hall.”
- The noting by a notary public of an unpaid or unaccepted bill.
Where does protest come from?
From the Middle English verb protesten, from Old French protester, from Latin prōtestārī, from prō + testor, from testis (“witness”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with protest
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of protest.
Questions about saying protest
How do you pronounce protest?
Say pruh-TEST. The American pronunciation is /prəˈtɛst/. In British English it is /prəˈtɛst/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in protest?
Protest has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TEST). Broken into parts: pruh · TEST.
Do Americans and Brits say protest the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /prəˈtɛst/ and the British form is /prəˈtɛst/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.