How to Pronounce “either”
Free audio in American, British, and Australian English.
▶ Hear it pronouncedIPA Transcription
- American (US)
- /ˈaɪðər/
- British (UK)
- /ˈaɪðə/
What “either” means
determiner — One or the other of two possibilities.
Example: Either route will get you there.
Pronunciation Notes
Where the stress falls. “either” has 2 syllables, and the transcription /ˈaɪðər/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the first one — so the first syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.
An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /ˈaɪðər/ 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "either" mean?
either (determiner): One or the other of two possibilities. For example — Either route will get you there.
How do you pronounce "either" in American vs British English?
American English: /ˈaɪðər/. British English: /ˈaɪðə/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.
What is the IPA transcription of "either"?
/ˈaɪðər/ in American English, /ˈaɪðə/ in British English.
Which syllable is stressed in "either"?
“either” has 2 syllables, and the transcription /ˈaɪðər/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the first one — so the first syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.
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