How to pronounce strait
Say it like STRAYT. Strait is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress.
- STRAYT
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Strait pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- STRAYTSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of strait
American and British speakers say strait in essentially the same way: /streɪt/ in the US and /streɪt/ in the UK.
British respelling: STRAYT.
What does strait mean?
- a narrow channel of the sea joining two larger bodies of water
- a bad or difficult situation or state of affairs
- narrow“strait is the gate”
Where does strait come from?
From Middle English streit, from Old French estreit (modern form étroit), from Latin strictus, perfect passive participle of stringō (“compress, tighten”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with strait
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of strait.
Words that sound like strait
Questions about saying strait
How do you pronounce strait?
Say STRAYT. The American pronunciation is /streɪt/. In British English it is /streɪt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in strait?
Strait is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress. Broken into parts: STRAYT.
Do Americans and Brits say strait the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /streɪt/ and the British form is /streɪt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.
What words sound the same as strait?
Strait sounds the same as straight in American English. The spelling and meaning are what tell them apart.