How to pronounce respond
Say it like rih-SPOND. Respond has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SPOND).
- rih
- SPOND
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Respond pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- rihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- SPONDSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
American vs British pronunciation of respond
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: rih-SPOND.
What does respond mean?
- To say something in return; to answer; to reply.“to respond to a question or an argument”
- To act in return; to carry out an action or in return to a force or stimulus; to do something in response.
- To correspond with; to suit.
- A response.
- A versicle or short anthem chanted at intervals during the reading of a lection.
- A half-pillar, pilaster, or any corresponding device engaged in a wall to receive the impost of an arch.
Where does respond come from?
From Middle English respounden, from Old French respondre, from Late Latin respondō, from Latin respondeō.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with respond
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of respond.
Questions about saying respond
How do you pronounce respond?
Say rih-SPOND. The American pronunciation is /rɪˈspɑnd/. In British English it is /rɪˈspɒnd/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in respond?
Respond has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SPOND). Broken into parts: rih · SPOND.
Is respond pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /rɪˈspɒnd/ (rih-SPOND).