How to Pronounce “operating”

American (US)

/ˈɑpəɹeɪtɪŋ/

British (UK)

/ˈɒpəɹeɪtɪŋ/

adjective — In operation; that operates.

Example: Don't touch the operating machinery.

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

operating (adjective): In operation; that operates. For example — Don't touch the operating machinery.

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

American English: /ˈɑpəɹeɪtɪŋ/. British English: /ˈɒpəɹeɪtɪŋ/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "operating"?

/ˈɑpəɹeɪtɪŋ/ in American English, /ˈɒpəɹeɪtɪŋ/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "operating"?

“operating” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /ˈɑpəɹeɪtɪŋ/ 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.