How to pronounce smallness
Say it like SMAWL-nus. Smallness has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SMAWL).
- SMAWL
- nus
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Smallness pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SMAWLSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- nusKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of smallness
American and British speakers say smallness in essentially the same way: /ˈsmɔlnəs/ in the US and /ˈsmɔːlnəs/ in the UK.
British respelling: SMAWL-nus.
What does smallness mean?
- The state or quality of being small.“His smallness didn't bother him, except when he needed something off the top shelf.”
- The result or product of being small.
Where does smallness come from?
From Middle English smalnesse; equivalent to small + -ness.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- littleness
- pettiness
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying smallness
How do you pronounce smallness?
Say SMAWL-nus. The American pronunciation is /ˈsmɔlnəs/. In British English it is /ˈsmɔːlnəs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in smallness?
Smallness has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SMAWL). Broken into parts: SMAWL · nus.
Do Americans and Brits say smallness the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈsmɔlnəs/ and the British form is /ˈsmɔːlnəs/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.