How to pronounce subterranean
Say it like sub-tuh-RAY-nee-un. Subterranean has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (RAY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce subterranean. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- sub
- tuh
- RAY
- nee
- un
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Subterranean pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- subKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- tuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- RAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- neeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- unKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of subterranean
American and British speakers say subterranean in essentially the same way: /səbtəˈreɪniən/ in the US and /səbtəˈreɪniən/ in the UK.
British respelling: sub-tuh-RAY-nee-un.
What does subterranean mean?
- Below ground, under the earth, underground.
- Secret, concealed.
- Someone or something that is subterranean.
Where does subterranean come from?
From Latin subterrāneus + -an.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying subterranean
How do you pronounce subterranean?
Say sub-tuh-RAY-nee-un. The American pronunciation is /səbtəˈreɪniən/. In British English it is /səbtəˈreɪniən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in subterranean?
Subterranean has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (RAY). Broken into parts: sub · tuh · RAY · nee · un.
Do Americans and Brits say subterranean the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /səbtəˈreɪniən/ and the British form is /səbtəˈreɪniən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.