English pronunciation · Words Starting with C
Contrast Pronunciation
Contrast is pronounced KAHN-trast, IPA /ˈkɑntræst/.
KAHN-trast
US /ˈkɑntræst/
Syllables: KAHN · trast (2 syllables, stress on syllable 1)
noun and verb: As a noun, a clear difference between two things set side by side; as a verb, to set them side by side so the difference shows.
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Two Ways to Say Contrast
The pronunciation changes with the meaning or the part of speech. The form above is the most common; the others are:
- verb (to contrast one thing with another): /kənˈtræst/ (kuhn-TRAST)
Contrast in a Sentence
- The contrast between the two halves of the match was striking.
- Contrast the opening chapter with the closing one.
- In contrast, the south of the island had no rain at all.
Common Mispronunciations of Contrast
Not kuhn-TRAST (for the noun)
Nouns of this family keep the weight at the front, KAHN-trast, and verbs push it to the back, kuhn-TRAST. Export, import, and protest all split the same way.
Not KAHN-trast (for the verb)
Opening loud on a verb makes it sound like the noun used oddly. Let the first beat weaken and finish hard on TRAST.
Tip: Many speakers now use the front stress for both, especially in America, so KAHN-trast as a verb will pass unnoticed. The split is still worth keeping in careful speech.
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