How to pronounce similar
Say it like SIM-uh-ler. Similar has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SIM).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce similar. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SIM
- uh
- ler
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Similar pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SIMSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- lerKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of similar
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: SIM-ih-luh.
What does similar mean?
- marked by correspondence or resemblance“similar food at similar prices”“problems similar to mine”
- having the same or similar characteristics“all politicians are alike”“they looked utterly alike”
- resembling or similar; having the same or some of the same characteristics; often used in combination“suits of like design”“a limited circle of like minds”
Where does similar come from?
From French similaire, from Medieval Latin similaris, extended from Latin similis (“like”); akin to simul (“together”).
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying similar
How do you pronounce similar?
Say SIM-uh-ler. The American pronunciation is /ˈsɪməlɚ/. In British English it is /ˈsɪmɪlə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in similar?
Similar has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SIM). Broken into parts: SIM · uh · ler.
Is similar 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 /ˈsɪmɪlə/ (SIM-ih-luh).