How to pronounce "pedestrian"

pedestrian

Adjective
American
/pəˈdɛstriən/

Syllable Breakdown

pe des tri an

How natives say pedestrian

British
/pɪˈdɛstriən/

Syllable Breakdown

pi des tri an

How natives say pedestrian

Pronunciation Guide In American

Pronunciation Steps

  • Start with the sound 'pə', using a soft 'p' and a schwa sound.

  • Continue with 'dɛs', with emphasis on 'dɛ' sounding like 'des'.

  • Finish with 'triən', where 'tri' sounds like 'tree' and 'ən' like 'un'.

Common Mistakes

  • Incorrect stress on 'pe-des-tri-an' (should be on 'de')

  • Mixing 'tri' with 'try' (sounds like 'tree')

  • Mispronouncing 'ən' as 'an' (should be 'un')

Pronunciation Guide In British

Pronunciation Steps

  • Start with 'pɪ', where 'p' is soft and 'ɪ' like 'pit'.

  • Move to 'dɛs', with 'dɛ' pronounced as in 'des'.

  • End with 'triən', where 'tri' is similar to 'tree' and 'ən' is like 'un'.

common mistakes

  • Incorrect stress on 'pi-des-tri-an' (should be on 'de')

  • Mixing 'tri' with 'try' (sounds like 'tree')

  • Mispronouncing 'ən' as 'an' (should be 'un')

FAQ

Where is the stress in 'pedestrian'?

The stress is on the second syllable: 'de'.

How do I pronounce the 'tri' in 'pedestrian'?

It sounds like 'tree'.

Is the 'an' in 'pedestrian' pronounced like 'an' or 'un'?

It is pronounced like 'un'.

Definition

pedestrian

Relating to walking; dull or uninspired.

Word Family

pedestrianism

/pəˈdɛstriəˌnɪzəm/

noun

The practice of walking

Example: Pedestrianism is gaining popularity.

pedestrianize

/pəˈdɛstriəˌnaɪz/

verb

Make an area for walkers only

Example: They pedestrianized the street.

pedestrianization

/pəˌdɛstriənɪˈzeɪʃən/

noun

The process of making an area for pedestrians

Example: The pedestrianization improved the area.

Key Pronunciation Differences

Pedestrianism has an extra 'nism' sound.

Pedestrianize ends with the 'ize' sound.

Pedestrianization includes 'ization' which is long and separate.

Pro Tips

Focus on stress

Keep the stress on the second syllable, 'de'. It gives the word its correct rhythm.

End the word lightly

Ensure the final syllable 'an' sounds like 'un' to avoid mispronunciation.

Nearby Words

Test Your Pronunciation On Words That Have Sound Similarities With Pedestrian

abroad

/əˈbrɔd/

accelerate

/əkˈsɛləˌreɪt/

accident

/ˈæksɪdənt/

accommodate

/əˈkɑːməˌdeɪt/

accompany

/əˈkʌmpəni/

accomplish

/əˈkɑːm.plɪʃ/

afford

/əˈfɔrd/

airline

/ˈɛrˌlaɪn/

Other Categories

Test Your Pronunciation On Words Within Other Categories

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ability

agenda