How to pronounce subsurface
Say it like SUHB-sur-fus. Subsurface has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SUHB).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce subsurface. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SUHB
- sur
- fus
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Subsurface pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SUHBSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- surGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- fusKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of subsurface
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: SUHB-sur-fus.
What does subsurface mean?
- Something that is below the layer that is on the surface.“Before we could lay the flooring we had to lay a subsurface under it to keep it flat and support it.”
- A surface which is a submanifold of another surface.
- Below the surface.
Where does subsurface come from?
From sub- + surface.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying subsurface
How do you pronounce subsurface?
Say SUHB-sur-fus. The American pronunciation is /ˈsʌbˌsɝfəs/. In British English it is /ˈsʌbˌsɜːfəs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in subsurface?
Subsurface has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SUHB). Broken into parts: SUHB · sur · fus.
Is subsurface 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 /ˈsʌbˌsɜːfəs/ (SUHB-sur-fus).