How to pronounce subtraction
Say it like sub-TRAK-shun. Subtraction has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TRAK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce subtraction. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- sub
- TRAK
- shun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Subtraction 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.
- TRAKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- shunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of subtraction
American and British speakers say subtraction in essentially the same way: /səbˈtrækʃən/ in the US and /səbˈtrækʃən/ in the UK.
British respelling: sub-TRAK-shun.
What does subtraction mean?
- The process of subtracting a number from another.
- A calculation involving subtracting.“The teacher has set us ten subtractions to do by tomorrow.”
- The removal of something.“The subtraction of the wealth from the economy will result in recession.”
Where does subtraction come from?
Borrowed from Late Latin subtractio, subtractionis.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with subtraction
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of subtraction.
Questions about saying subtraction
How do you pronounce subtraction?
Say sub-TRAK-shun. The American pronunciation is /səbˈtrækʃən/. In British English it is /səbˈtrækʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in subtraction?
Subtraction has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TRAK). Broken into parts: sub · TRAK · shun.
Do Americans and Brits say subtraction the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /səbˈtrækʃən/ and the British form is /səbˈtrækʃən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.