How to pronounce varsity
Say it like VAR-sih-tee. Varsity has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (VAR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce varsity. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- VAR
- sih
- tee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Varsity pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- VARSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- sihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- teeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of varsity
- 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: VAH-sih-tee.
What does varsity mean?
- a British abbreviation of university; usually refers to Oxford University or Cambridge University
- a team representing a college or university
Where does varsity come from?
First attested in the mid-17th century.
Questions about saying varsity
How do you pronounce varsity?
Say VAR-sih-tee. The American pronunciation is /ˈvɑrsɪti/. In British English it is /ˈvɑːsɪti/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in varsity?
Varsity has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (VAR). Broken into parts: VAR · sih · tee.
Is varsity 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 /ˈvɑːsɪti/ (VAH-sih-tee).