How to pronounce understory
Say it like UHN-der-stoh-ree. Understory 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 understory. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- UHN
- der
- stoh
- ree
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Understory 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.
- stohGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "o" in go.
- reeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of understory
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: UHN-duh-staw-ree.
What does understory mean?
- A story of a building below the stories generally used for residence or work.
- The (layer of) plants that grow in the shade of the canopy of a forest above the forest floor.
Where does understory come from?
From under- (prefix meaning ‘beneath, under’) + story (“a floor or level”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying understory
How do you pronounce understory?
Say UHN-der-stoh-ree. The American pronunciation is /ˈʌndɚˌstoʊri/. In British English it is /ˈʌndəstɔːri/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in understory?
Understory has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (UHN). Broken into parts: UHN · der · stoh · ree.
Is understory 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 /ˈʌndəstɔːri/ (UHN-duh-staw-ree).