How to pronounce satire
Say it like SAT-eye-er. Satire has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SAT).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce satire. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SAT
- eye
- er
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Satire pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SATSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- eyeGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in time.
- erKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of satire
- American English uses 3 syllables and British English 2.
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: SAT-eye.
What does satire mean?
- witty language used to convey insults or scorn“he used sarcasm to upset his opponent”“irony is wasted on the stupid”
Where does satire come from?
From Middle French satire, from Old French, from Latin satira, from earlier satura, from lanx satura (“full dish”), from feminine of satur.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying satire
How do you pronounce satire?
Say SAT-eye-er. The American pronunciation is /ˈsæˌtaɪɚ/. In British English it is /ˈsætaɪ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in satire?
Satire has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SAT). Broken into parts: SAT · eye · er.
Is satire pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. American English uses 3 syllables and British English 2. The British form is /ˈsætaɪ/ (SAT-eye).