How to pronounce ternary
Say it like TUR-nuh-ree. Ternary has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TUR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce ternary. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- TUR
- nuh
- ree
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Ternary pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- TURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- nuhKeep 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 ternary
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: TUR-nuh-ree.
What does ternary mean?
- Made up of three things.
- Arranged in groups of three.
- To the base three.
- A group of three things; a trio, threesome or tierce.
- The ternary operator.
Where does ternary come from?
From Late Latin ternārius (“consisting of three things”), from ternī (“three each”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying ternary
How do you pronounce ternary?
Say TUR-nuh-ree. The American pronunciation is /ˈtɝnəri/. In British English it is /ˈtɜːnəri/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in ternary?
Ternary has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TUR). Broken into parts: TUR · nuh · ree.
Is ternary 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 /ˈtɜːnəri/ (TUR-nuh-ree).