How to pronounce underfire
Say it like UHN-der-fire. Underfire has three 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 underfire. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- UHN
- der
- fire
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Underfire 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.
- fireGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in time.
American vs British pronunciation of underfire
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: UHN-duh-fy.
What does underfire mean?
- To heat from below.
- To intentionally operate a boiler, furnace, oven, etc., at a low level.
- To burn fuel at less than the desired level, thus not providing heat efficiently.
Where does underfire come from?
From under- + fire.
Questions about saying underfire
How do you pronounce underfire?
Say UHN-der-fire. The American pronunciation is /ˈʌndɚˌfaɪr/. In British English it is /ˈʌndəfaɪ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in underfire?
Underfire has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (UHN). Broken into parts: UHN · der · fire.
Is underfire 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 /ˈʌndəfaɪ/ (UHN-duh-fy).