How to Pronounce “exorbitant”

American (US)

/ɪɡˈzoɹbətənt/

British (UK)

/ɪɡˈzɔːbɪtənt/

adjective — Exceeding proper limits; excessive or unduly high; extravagant.

Example: It’s a nice car, but they are charging an exorbitant price for it.

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

exorbitant (adjective): Exceeding proper limits; excessive or unduly high; extravagant. For example — It’s a nice car, but they are charging an exorbitant price for it.

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

American English: /ɪɡˈzoɹbətənt/. British English: /ɪɡˈzɔːbɪtənt/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "exorbitant"?

/ɪɡˈzoɹbətənt/ in American English, /ɪɡˈzɔːbɪtənt/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "exorbitant"?

“exorbitant” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /ɪɡˈzoɹbətənt/ 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.