How to pronounce tougher
Say it like TUHF-er. Tougher has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TUHF).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce tougher. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- TUHF
- er
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Tougher pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- TUHFSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- erKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of tougher
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: TUHF-uh.
What does tougher mean?
- comparative form of tough: more tough How to pronounce tough
Words that rhyme with tougher
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of tougher.
Questions about saying tougher
How do you pronounce tougher?
Say TUHF-er. The American pronunciation is /ˈtʌfɚ/. In British English it is /ˈtʌfə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in tougher?
Tougher has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TUHF). Broken into parts: TUHF · er.
Is tougher 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 /ˈtʌfə/ (TUHF-uh).