How to Pronounce “criteria”

American (US)

/kraɪˈtɪriə/

British (UK)

/kraɪˈtɪəriə/

Australian (AU)

/kɹɑeˈtɪə.ɹi.ə/

noun — A single criterion.

Where the stress falls. “criteria” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /kraɪˈtɪriə/ 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. /kraɪˈtɪriə/ 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 "criteria" mean?

criteria (noun): A single criterion.

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

American English: /kraɪˈtɪriə/. British English: /kraɪˈtɪəriə/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "criteria"?

/kraɪˈtɪriə/ in American English, /kraɪˈtɪəriə/ in British English, /kɹɑeˈtɪə.ɹi.ə/ in Australian English.

Which syllable is stressed in "criteria"?

“criteria” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /kraɪˈtɪriə/ 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.

Cambridge C1/C2 Pronunciation — What Examiners Score in Speaking

How pronunciation is assessed at C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency, the stress-shift words that mark advanced vocabulary, and the errors that cap your band.

• Academic Word List essentials