How to pronounce serif
Say it like SER-if. Serif has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SER).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce serif. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SER
- if
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Serif pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SERSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- ifKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of serif
American and British speakers say serif in essentially the same way: /ˈsɛrɪf/ in the US and /ˈsɛrɪf/ in the UK.
British respelling: SER-if.
What does serif mean?
- A short line added to the end of a stroke in traditional typefaces, such as Times New Roman.
- Of a typeface, provided with serifs.
Where does serif come from?
From earlier ceriph, seriph, surryph, of obscure derivation.
Questions about saying serif
How do you pronounce serif?
Say SER-if. The American pronunciation is /ˈsɛrɪf/. In British English it is /ˈsɛrɪf/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in serif?
Serif has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SER). Broken into parts: SER · if.
Do Americans and Brits say serif the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈsɛrɪf/ and the British form is /ˈsɛrɪf/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.