How to pronounce under
Say it like UHN-der. Under has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (UHN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce under. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- UHN
- der
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Under pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- UHNSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- derKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of under
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: UHN-duh.
What does under mean?
- located below or beneath something else“nether garments”“the under parts of a machine”
- lower in rank, power, or authority“an under secretary”
- down to defeat, death, or ruin“their competitors went under”
- through a range downward“children six and under will be admitted free”
- into unconsciousness“this will put the patient under”
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with under
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of under.
Questions about saying under
How do you pronounce under?
Say UHN-der. The American pronunciation is /ˈʌndɚ/. In British English it is /ˈʌndə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in under?
Under has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (UHN). Broken into parts: UHN · der.
Is under 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 /ˈʌndə/ (UHN-duh).