How to pronounce trepidation
Say it like trep-ih-DAY-shun. Trepidation has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (DAY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce trepidation. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- trep
- ih
- DAY
- shun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Trepidation pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- trepGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- ihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- DAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- shunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of trepidation
American and British speakers say trepidation in essentially the same way: /ˌtrɛpɪˈdeɪʃən/ in the US and /ˌtrɛpɪˈdeɪʃən/ in the UK.
British respelling: trep-ih-DAY-shun.
What does trepidation mean?
- Anxiety over the uncertain future or possible ill-occurrence.“I decided, with considerable trepidation, to let him drive my car without me.”
- An involuntary trembling, sometimes an effect of paralysis, but usually caused by terror or fear.
Where does trepidation come from?
Borrowed from Latin trepidātiō, from trepidō (“be agitated”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with trepidation
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of trepidation.
Questions about saying trepidation
How do you pronounce trepidation?
Say trep-ih-DAY-shun. The American pronunciation is /ˌtrɛpɪˈdeɪʃən/. In British English it is /ˌtrɛpɪˈdeɪʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in trepidation?
Trepidation has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (DAY). Broken into parts: trep · ih · DAY · shun.
Do Americans and Brits say trepidation the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌtrɛpɪˈdeɪʃən/ and the British form is /ˌtrɛpɪˈdeɪʃən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.