How to pronounce summary
Say it like SUHM-uh-ree. Summary has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SUHM).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce summary. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SUHM
- uh
- ree
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Summary pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SUHMSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- reeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of summary
American and British speakers say summary in essentially the same way: /ˈsʌməri/ in the US and /ˈsʌməri/ in the UK.
British respelling: SUHM-uh-ree.
What does summary mean?
- a brief statement that presents the main points in a concise form“he gave a summary of the conclusions”
- performed speedily and without formality“a summary execution”“summary justice”
- briefly giving the gist of something“a short and compendious book”“a compact style is brief and pithy”
Where does summary come from?
From Middle English summary, from Medieval Latin summārius, from Latin summa (“total, sum”) + -ārius (suffix forming adjectives).
Words that rhyme with summary
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of summary.
Words that sound like summary
Questions about saying summary
How do you pronounce summary?
Say SUHM-uh-ree. The American pronunciation is /ˈsʌməri/. In British English it is /ˈsʌməri/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in summary?
Summary has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SUHM). Broken into parts: SUHM · uh · ree.
Do Americans and Brits say summary the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈsʌməri/ and the British form is /ˈsʌməri/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.
What words sound the same as summary?
Summary sounds the same as summery in American English. The spelling and meaning are what tell them apart.