How to pronounce substitution
Say it like suhb-stih-TOO-shun. Substitution has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (TOO).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce substitution. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- suhb
- stih
- TOO
- shun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Substitution pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- suhbGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- stihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- TOOSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "oo" in food.
- shunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of substitution
- British speakers add a light "y" sound before the "oo" (as in "tyoon" for tune).
British respelling: suhb-stih-TYOO-shun.
What does substitution mean?
- The act of substituting or the state of being substituted.“In this football tournament, three substitutions can be made during the match.”
- A substitute or replacement.“Gary is off this weekend, so Jeff will be his substitution.”
- The replacement of an atom, or group of atoms, in a compound, with another.
Where does substitution come from?
From Middle French substitution, from Late Latin substitutio.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- permutation
- transposition
- replacement
- switch
Words that rhyme with substitution
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of substitution.
- solution
- distribution
- resolution
- constitution
- revolution
- evolution
- institution
- contribution
- execution
- pollution
Questions about saying substitution
How do you pronounce substitution?
Say suhb-stih-TOO-shun. The American pronunciation is /ˌsʌbstɪˈtuʃən/. In British English it is /ˌsʌbstɪˈtjuːʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in substitution?
Substitution has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (TOO). Broken into parts: suhb · stih · TOO · shun.
Is substitution pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. British speakers add a light "y" sound before the "oo" (as in "tyoon" for tune). The British form is /ˌsʌbstɪˈtjuːʃən/ (suhb-stih-TYOO-shun).