How to pronounce upstart
Say it like UHPS-tart. Upstart has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (UHPS).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce upstart. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- UHPS
- tart
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Upstart pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- UHPSSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- tartKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
American vs British pronunciation of upstart
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: UHPS-taht.
What does upstart mean?
- One who has suddenly gained wealth, power, or other prominence, but either has not received social acceptance or has become arrogant or presumptuous.
- The meadow saffron.
- Acting like a parvenu.
- Self-important and presumptuous.
- To rise suddenly, to spring
Where does upstart come from?
From Middle English upstarten, upsterten, equivalent to up- + start.
Questions about saying upstart
How do you pronounce upstart?
Say UHPS-tart. The American pronunciation is /ˈʌpstɑrt/. In British English it is /ˈʌpstɑːt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in upstart?
Upstart has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (UHPS). Broken into parts: UHPS · tart.
Is upstart 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 /ˈʌpstɑːt/ (UHPS-taht).