How to pronounce underlay
Say it like un-der-LAY. Underlay has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (LAY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce underlay. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- un
- der
- LAY
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Underlay pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- unKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- derKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- LAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of underlay
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: un-duh-LAY.
What does underlay mean?
- simple past of underlie How to pronounce underlie
- To lay (something) underneath something else; to put under.“We underlaid the carpet with felt.”
- To provide a support for something; to raise or support by something laid under.
- To put a tap on (a shoe).
- A layer (of earth, etc.) that lies under another; substratum.
- A soft floor covering that lies under a carpet.
- Anything that is underlaid.
Where does underlay come from?
From Middle English underleyen, from Old English underleċġan (“to underlay, prop, support”), equivalent to under- + lay.
Words that rhyme with underlay
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of underlay.
Questions about saying underlay
How do you pronounce underlay?
Say un-der-LAY. The American pronunciation is /ʌndərˈleɪ/. In British English it is /ʌndəˈleɪ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in underlay?
Underlay has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (LAY). Broken into parts: un · der · LAY.
Is underlay 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 /ʌndəˈleɪ/ (un-duh-LAY).