How to pronounce scathing
Say it like SKAY-thing. Scathing has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SKAY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce scathing. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SKAY
- thing
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Scathing pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SKAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- thingKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of scathing
American and British speakers say scathing in essentially the same way: /ˈskeɪðɪŋ/ in the US and /ˈskeɪðɪŋ/ in the UK.
British respelling: SKAY-thing.
What does scathing mean?
- present participle and gerund of scathe
- Harshly or bitterly critical; vitriolic.
- Harmful or painful; acerbic.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with scathing
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of scathing.
Questions about saying scathing
How do you pronounce scathing?
Say SKAY-thing. The American pronunciation is /ˈskeɪðɪŋ/. In British English it is /ˈskeɪðɪŋ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in scathing?
Scathing has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SKAY). Broken into parts: SKAY · thing.
Do Americans and Brits say scathing the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈskeɪðɪŋ/ and the British form is /ˈskeɪðɪŋ/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.