How to Pronounce “superfluous”

American (US)

/suˈpɝflu.əs/

British (UK)

/suːˈpɜːflu.əs/

Australian (AU)

/səˈpɜːflu.əs/

adjective — More than is needed; unnecessary.

Example: The last paragraph is superfluous.

Synonyms: redundant, excess

Antonyms: essential

Where the stress falls. “superfluous” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /suˈpɝflu.əs/ 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. /suˈpɝflu.əs/ 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 "superfluous" mean?

superfluous (adjective): More than is needed; unnecessary. For example — The last paragraph is superfluous.

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

American English: /suˈpɝflu.əs/. British English: /suːˈpɜːflu.əs/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "superfluous"?

/suˈpɝflu.əs/ in American English, /suːˈpɜːflu.əs/ in British English, /səˈpɜːflu.əs/ in Australian English.

Which syllable is stressed in "superfluous"?

“superfluous” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /suˈpɝflu.əs/ 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.