How to Pronounce “stratum”

American (US)

/ˈstɹeɪ.təm/

British (UK)

/ˈstɹɑː.təm/

Australian (AU)

/ˈstɹaː.təm/

noun — One of several parallel horizontal layers of material arranged one on top of another.

Where the stress falls. “stratum” has 2 syllables, and the transcription /ˈstɹeɪ.təm/ 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. /ˈstɹeɪ.təm/ 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 "stratum" mean?

stratum (noun): One of several parallel horizontal layers of material arranged one on top of another.

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

American English: /ˈstɹeɪ.təm/. British English: /ˈstɹɑː.təm/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "stratum"?

/ˈstɹeɪ.təm/ in American English, /ˈstɹɑː.təm/ in British English, /ˈstɹaː.təm/ in Australian English.

Which syllable is stressed in "stratum"?

“stratum” has 2 syllables, and the transcription /ˈstɹeɪ.təm/ 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.