How to Pronounce “neither”
Free audio in American, British, and Australian English.
▶ Hear it pronouncedIPA Transcription
- American (US)
- /ˈniːðər/
- British (UK)
- /ˈnaɪðə/
What “neither” means
determiner — Not one nor the other of two things.
Example: Neither option was affordable.
Pronunciation Notes
Where the stress falls. “neither” has 2 syllables, and the transcription /ˈniːðər/ 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. /ˈniːðər/ 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 "neither" mean?
neither (determiner): Not one nor the other of two things. For example — Neither option was affordable.
How do you pronounce "neither" in American vs British English?
American English: /ˈniːðər/. British English: /ˈnaɪðə/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.
What is the IPA transcription of "neither"?
/ˈniːðər/ in American English, /ˈnaɪðə/ in British English.
Which syllable is stressed in "neither"?
“neither” has 2 syllables, and the transcription /ˈniːðər/ 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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