How to pronounce sinister
Say it like SIN-ih-ster. Sinister has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SIN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce sinister. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SIN
- ih
- ster
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Sinister pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SINSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- ihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- sterKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of sinister
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: SIN-ih-stuh.
What does sinister mean?
- threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments“a baleful look”“forbidding thunderclouds”
- stemming from evil characteristics or forces; wicked or dishonorable“black deeds”“a black lie”
- on or starting from the wearer's left“bar sinister”
Where does sinister come from?
From Middle English sinistre (“unlucky”), from Old French senestre, sinistre (“left”), from Latin sinister (“left hand”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying sinister
How do you pronounce sinister?
Say SIN-ih-ster. The American pronunciation is /ˈsɪnɪstɚ/. In British English it is /ˈsɪnɪstə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in sinister?
Sinister has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SIN). Broken into parts: SIN · ih · ster.
Is sinister 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 /ˈsɪnɪstə/ (SIN-ih-stuh).