How to pronounce underpinning
Say it like UHN-der-pin-ing. Underpinning 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 underpinning. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- UHN
- der
- pin
- ing
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Underpinning 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.
- pinGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- ingKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of underpinning
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: UHN-duh-pin-ing.
What does underpinning mean?
- A support or foundation, especially as a structure of masonry that supports a wall.“This house's underpinning is not up to standard.”
- A basis for something.“I would like to know more about the underpinning of this political theory.”
- The lower body or legs.
- present participle and gerund of underpin How to pronounce underpin
Questions about saying underpinning
How do you pronounce underpinning?
Say UHN-der-pin-ing. The American pronunciation is /ˈʌndɚˌpɪnɪŋ/. In British English it is /ˈʌndəˌpɪnɪŋ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in underpinning?
Underpinning has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (UHN). Broken into parts: UHN · der · pin · ing.
Is underpinning 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 /ˈʌndəˌpɪnɪŋ/ (UHN-duh-pin-ing).