How to pronounce straightforward
Say it like strayt-FOR-werd. Straightforward has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FOR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce straightforward. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- strayt
- FOR
- werd
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Straightforward pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- straytGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- FORSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- werdKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of straightforward
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: strayt-FAW-wud.
What does straightforward mean?
- free from ambiguity“a straightforward set of instructions”
- without evasion or compromise“a square contradiction”“he is not being as straightforward as it appears”
- without concealment or deception; honest“their business was open and aboveboard”“straightforward in all his business affairs”
Where does straightforward come from?
From straight + forward.
Questions about saying straightforward
How do you pronounce straightforward?
Say strayt-FOR-werd. The American pronunciation is /ˌstreɪtˈfɔrwɚd/. In British English it is /ˌstreɪtˈfɔːwəd/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in straightforward?
Straightforward has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FOR). Broken into parts: strayt · FOR · werd.
Is straightforward 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 /ˌstreɪtˈfɔːwəd/ (strayt-FAW-wud).