How to pronounce restrain
Say it like ree-STRAYN. Restrain has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (STRAYN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce restrain. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ree
- STRAYN
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Restrain pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- reeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- STRAYNSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of restrain
American and British speakers say restrain in essentially the same way: /riˈstreɪn/ in the US and /rɪˈstreɪn/ in the UK.
British respelling: rih-STRAYN.
What does restrain mean?
- To control or keep in check.
- To deprive of liberty.
- To restrict or limit.“He was restrained by the straitjacket.”
- To strain again.
Where does restrain come from?
From Middle English restreinen, from Old French restreindre, from Latin rēstringere (“fasten, tighten”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with restrain
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of restrain.
Questions about saying restrain
How do you pronounce restrain?
Say ree-STRAYN. The American pronunciation is /riˈstreɪn/. In British English it is /rɪˈstreɪn/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in restrain?
Restrain has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (STRAYN). Broken into parts: ree · STRAYN.
Do Americans and Brits say restrain the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /riˈstreɪn/ and the British form is /rɪˈstreɪn/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.