How to Pronounce “assertion”

American (US)

/əˈsɜɹʃən/

British (UK)

/əˈsɜːʃən/

noun — The act of asserting; positive declaration or averment.

Where the stress falls. “assertion” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /əˈsɜɹʃən/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the second one — so the second syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /əˈsɜɹʃən/ contains a schwa /ə/ — the short, neutral “uh” that English unstressed syllables collapse into. Saying /ə/ there, instead of the vowel the spelling suggests, is most of what makes the word sound native.

What does "assertion" mean?

assertion (noun): The act of asserting; positive declaration or averment.

How do you pronounce "assertion" in American vs British English?

American English: /əˈsɜɹʃən/. British English: /əˈsɜːʃən/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "assertion"?

/əˈsɜɹʃən/ in American English, /əˈsɜːʃən/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "assertion"?

“assertion” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /əˈsɜɹʃən/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the second one — so the second syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.