How to pronounce research
Say it like REE-serch. Research has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (REE).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce research. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- REE
- serch
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Research pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- REESay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- serchKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of research
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: REE-surch.
Other ways to say research
Research also has this pronunciation, usually with a different meaning or use:
- ree-SURCH /riˈsɝtʃ/
What does research mean?
- systematic investigation to establish facts
- a search for knowledge“their pottery deserves more research than it has received”
- attempt to find out in a systematically and scientific manner“The student researched the history of that word”
- inquire into“the students had to research the history of the Second World War for their history project”“He searched for information on his relatives on the web”
Where does research come from?
Early Modern French rechercher (“to examine closely”), from Old French recerchier (“to seek, to look for”), by surface analysis, re- + search.
Questions about saying research
How do you pronounce research?
Say REE-serch. The American pronunciation is /ˈrisɚtʃ/. In British English it is /ˈriːsɜːtʃ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in research?
Research has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (REE). Broken into parts: REE · serch.
Is research pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈriːsɜːtʃ/ (REE-surch).