How to pronounce separation
Say it like sep-uh-RAY-shun. Separation has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (RAY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce separation. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- sep
- uh
- RAY
- shun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Separation pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- sepGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- RAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- shunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of separation
American and British speakers say separation in essentially the same way: /ˌsɛpəˈreɪʃən/ in the US and /ˌsɛpəˈreɪʃən/ in the UK.
British respelling: sep-uh-RAY-shun.
What does separation mean?
- the state of lacking unity
- coming apart
- the distance between things“fragile items require separation and cushioning”
Where does separation come from?
Attested in the 15th Century C.E.; from Middle English separacioun, from Old French separacion, from Latin separatio, separationem.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with separation
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of separation.
Questions about saying separation
How do you pronounce separation?
Say sep-uh-RAY-shun. The American pronunciation is /ˌsɛpəˈreɪʃən/. In British English it is /ˌsɛpəˈreɪʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in separation?
Separation has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (RAY). Broken into parts: sep · uh · RAY · shun.
Do Americans and Brits say separation the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌsɛpəˈreɪʃən/ and the British form is /ˌsɛpəˈreɪʃən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.