How to pronounce volatile
Say it like VAH-luh-tul. Volatile has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (VAH).
- VAH
- luh
- tul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Volatile pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- VAHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- luhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- tulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of volatile
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: VOL-uh-tyle.
What does volatile mean?
- Evaporating or vaporizing readily under normal conditions.
- Of a substance, explosive.
- Of a price, variable or erratic.
- A chemical or compound that changes into a gas easily.
- A variable that is volatile, i.e. has its associated memory immediately updated with any change in value.
Where does volatile come from?
From Middle French volatile, from Latin volātilis (“flying; swift; temporary; volatile”), from volō (“to fly”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying volatile
How do you pronounce volatile?
Say VAH-luh-tul. The American pronunciation is /ˈvɑlətəl/. In British English it is /ˈvɒləˌtaɪl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in volatile?
Volatile has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (VAH). Broken into parts: VAH · luh · tul.
Is volatile pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /ˈvɒləˌtaɪl/ (VOL-uh-tyle).