How to pronounce startled
Say it like STAR-tuld. Startled has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (STAR).
VoiceSpeed
US American/ˈstɑrtəld/STAR-tuld
UK British/ˈstɑːtəld/STAH-tuld
- STAR
- tuld
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Startled pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- STARSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- tuldKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of startled
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: STAH-tuld.
What does startled mean?
adjective
- Surprised and slightly frightened.
- simple past and past participle of startle How to pronounce startle
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying startled
How do you pronounce startled?
Say STAR-tuld. The American pronunciation is /ˈstɑrtəld/. In British English it is /ˈstɑːtəld/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in startled?
Startled has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (STAR). Broken into parts: STAR · tuld.
Is startled 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 /ˈstɑːtəld/ (STAH-tuld).