How to pronounce unfamiliar
Say it like uhn-fuh-MIL-yer. Unfamiliar has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (MIL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce unfamiliar. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- uhn
- fuh
- MIL
- yer
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Unfamiliar pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- uhnGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- fuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- MILSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- yerKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of unfamiliar
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: uhn-fuh-MIL-yuh.
What does unfamiliar mean?
- not known or well known“a name unfamiliar to most”“be alert at night especially in unfamiliar surroundings”
Where does unfamiliar come from?
From un- + familiar.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying unfamiliar
How do you pronounce unfamiliar?
Say uhn-fuh-MIL-yer. The American pronunciation is /ˌʌnfəˈmɪljɚ/. In British English it is /ˌʌnfəˈmɪljə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in unfamiliar?
Unfamiliar has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (MIL). Broken into parts: uhn · fuh · MIL · yer.
Is unfamiliar 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 /ˌʌnfəˈmɪljə/ (uhn-fuh-MIL-yuh).