How to pronounce retardant
Say it like ree-TAR-dunt. Retardant has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TAR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce retardant. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ree
- TAR
- dunt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Retardant 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.
- TARSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- duntKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of retardant
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: ree-TAH-dunt.
What does retardant mean?
- Serving to impede (slow down) the action of something
- Something that serves to retard (slow down) the action of something.
Where does retardant come from?
Borrowed from French retardant, equivalent to retard (“to slow down”) + -ant.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with retardant
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of retardant.
Questions about saying retardant
How do you pronounce retardant?
Say ree-TAR-dunt. The American pronunciation is /riˈtɑrdənt/. In British English it is /riˈtɑːdənt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in retardant?
Retardant has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TAR). Broken into parts: ree · TAR · dunt.
Is retardant 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 /riˈtɑːdənt/ (ree-TAH-dunt).