How to pronounce refraction
Say it like ruh-FRAK-shun. Refraction has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FRAK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce refraction. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ruh
- FRAK
- shun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Refraction pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ruhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- FRAKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- shunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of refraction
American and British speakers say refraction in essentially the same way: /rəˈfrækʃən/ in the US and /rəˈfrækʃən/ in the UK.
British respelling: ruh-FRAK-shun.
What does refraction mean?
- The turning or bending of any wave, such as a light or sound wave, when it passes from one medium into another of different optical density.
- The degree to which a metal or compound can withstand heat
Where does refraction come from?
Borrowed from Latin refrāctiō.
Words that rhyme with refraction
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of refraction.
Questions about saying refraction
How do you pronounce refraction?
Say ruh-FRAK-shun. The American pronunciation is /rəˈfrækʃən/. In British English it is /rəˈfrækʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in refraction?
Refraction has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FRAK). Broken into parts: ruh · FRAK · shun.
Do Americans and Brits say refraction the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /rəˈfrækʃən/ and the British form is /rəˈfrækʃən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.