How to pronounce understudy
Say it like UHN-der-stuhd-ee. Understudy has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (UHN).
VoiceSpeed
US American/ˈʌndɚˌstʌdi/UHN-der-stuhd-ee
UK British/ˈʌndəstʌdi/UHN-duh-stud-ee
- UHN
- der
- stuhd
- ee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Understudy 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.
- stuhdGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- eeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of understudy
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: UHN-duh-stud-ee.
What does understudy mean?
verb
- To study or know a role to such an extent as to be able to replace the normal performer when required.
- To act as an understudy (to someone).
- To act in a similar manner to some known person.
- A performer who understudies; a standby for a study.
Where does understudy come from?
From under- + study.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying understudy
How do you pronounce understudy?
Say UHN-der-stuhd-ee. The American pronunciation is /ˈʌndɚˌstʌdi/. In British English it is /ˈʌndəstʌdi/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in understudy?
Understudy has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (UHN). Broken into parts: UHN · der · stuhd · ee.
Is understudy 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 /ˈʌndəstʌdi/ (UHN-duh-stud-ee).