How to pronounce undercurrent
Say it like UHN-der-kuhr-unt. Undercurrent has four 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 undercurrent. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- UHN
- der
- kuhr
- unt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Undercurrent 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.
- kuhrGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- untKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of undercurrent
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: UHN-duh-kur-unt.
What does undercurrent mean?
- A current of water which flows under the surface, and often in a different direction from surface currents.
- A tendency of feeling or opinion that is concealed rather than exposed.“The meeting was pervaded with an undercurrent of dread, as the managers tried not to admit that firings were looming.”
- To flow under some surface.
Where does undercurrent come from?
From under- + current.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying undercurrent
How do you pronounce undercurrent?
Say UHN-der-kuhr-unt. The American pronunciation is /ˈʌndɚˌkʌrənt/. In British English it is /ˈʌndəkʌrənt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in undercurrent?
Undercurrent has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (UHN). Broken into parts: UHN · der · kuhr · unt.
Is undercurrent 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 /ˈʌndəkʌrənt/ (UHN-duh-kur-unt).