How to pronounce scatterbrained
Say it like SKAT-er-braynd. Scatterbrained has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SKAT).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce scatterbrained. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SKAT
- er
- braynd
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Scatterbrained pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SKATSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- erKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- brayndGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of scatterbrained
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: SKAT-uh-braynd.
What does scatterbrained mean?
- Having the qualities of a scatterbrain: absent-minded, forgetful, easily distracted.
Where does scatterbrained come from?
From scatter + brained.
Questions about saying scatterbrained
How do you pronounce scatterbrained?
Say SKAT-er-braynd. The American pronunciation is /ˈskætərˌbreɪnd/. In British English it is /ˈskætəˌbreɪnd/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in scatterbrained?
Scatterbrained has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SKAT). Broken into parts: SKAT · er · braynd.
Is scatterbrained 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 /ˈskætəˌbreɪnd/ (SKAT-uh-braynd).