How to pronounce restraint
Say it like rih-STRAYNT. Restraint has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (STRAYNT).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce restraint. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- rih
- STRAYNT
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Restraint 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.
- STRAYNTSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of restraint
American and British speakers say restraint in essentially the same way: /rɪˈstreɪnt/ in the US and /rɪˈstreɪnt/ in the UK.
British respelling: rih-STRAYNT.
What does restraint mean?
- the act of controlling by restraining someone or something“the unlawful restraint of trade”
- discipline in personal and social activities“he was a model of polite restraint”“she never lost control of herself”
- the state of being physically constrained“dogs should be kept under restraint”
Where does restraint come from?
From Middle English restreynte, from Old French restreinte; more at restrain.
Words that rhyme with restraint
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of restraint.
Questions about saying restraint
How do you pronounce restraint?
Say rih-STRAYNT. The American pronunciation is /rɪˈstreɪnt/. In British English it is /rɪˈstreɪnt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in restraint?
Restraint has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (STRAYNT). Broken into parts: rih · STRAYNT.
Do Americans and Brits say restraint the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /rɪˈstreɪnt/ and the British form is /rɪˈstreɪnt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.