How to pronounce understating
Say it like UHN-der-stay-ting. Understating 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 understating. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- UHN
- der
- stay
- ting
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Understating 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.
- stayGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- tingKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of understating
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: UHN-duh-stay-ting.
What does understating mean?
- present participle and gerund of understate How to pronounce understate
Questions about saying understating
How do you pronounce understating?
Say UHN-der-stay-ting. The American pronunciation is /ˈʌndɚˌsteɪtɪŋ/. In British English it is /ˈʌndəˌsteɪtɪŋ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in understating?
Understating has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (UHN). Broken into parts: UHN · der · stay · ting.
Is understating 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 /ˈʌndəˌsteɪtɪŋ/ (UHN-duh-stay-ting).