How to pronounce temerity
Say it like tuh-MER-uh-tee. Temerity has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (MER).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce temerity. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- tuh
- MER
- uh
- tee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Temerity pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- tuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- MERSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- teeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of temerity
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: tih-MER-ih-tee.
What does temerity mean?
- Reckless boldness; foolish bravery.
- An act or case of reckless boldness.
- Effrontery; impudence.
Where does temerity come from?
From Middle English temerite, temeryte, from Old French temerité, from Latin temeritās (“chance, accident, rashness”), from temere (“by chance, casually, rashly”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with temerity
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of temerity.
Questions about saying temerity
How do you pronounce temerity?
Say tuh-MER-uh-tee. The American pronunciation is /təˈmɛrəti/. In British English it is /tɪˈmɛrɪti/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in temerity?
Temerity has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (MER). Broken into parts: tuh · MER · uh · tee.
Is temerity pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t. The British form is /tɪˈmɛrɪti/ (tih-MER-ih-tee).