How to pronounce restless
Say it like REST-lus. Restless has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (REST).
- REST
- lus
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Restless pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- RESTSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- lusKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of restless
American and British speakers say restless in essentially the same way: /ˈrɛstləs/ in the US and /ˈrɛstlɪs/ in the UK.
British respelling: REST-lis.
What does restless mean?
- Not allowing or affording rest.“The night before his wedding was a restless one.”
- Without rest; unable to be still or quiet; uneasy; continually moving.“He was a restless child.”
- Not satisfied to be at rest or in peace; averse to repose; eager for change; discontented.“A restless ambition.”
Where does restless come from?
From Middle English restles, restelees, from Old English ræstlēas, equivalent to rest + -less.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- antsy
- ungratified
- unsatisfied
- uneasy
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying restless
How do you pronounce restless?
Say REST-lus. The American pronunciation is /ˈrɛstləs/. In British English it is /ˈrɛstlɪs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in restless?
Restless has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (REST). Broken into parts: REST · lus.
Do Americans and Brits say restless the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈrɛstləs/ and the British form is /ˈrɛstlɪs/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.