how to pronounce undertow

/ˈʌndɚˌtoʊ/

audio example by a male speaker

audio example by a female speaker

the above transcription of undertow is a detailed (narrow) transcription according to the rules of the International Phonetic Association; you can find a description of each symbol by clicking the phoneme buttons in the secction below.

undertow is pronounced in three syllables

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3. example pitch curve for pronunciation of undertow

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video examples of undertow pronunciation

An example use of undertow in a speech by a native speaker of american english:

“… might say isn't the undertow that all of …”

meanings of undertow

verb:

To pull down by, or as by, an undertow.
To flow or behave as an undertow.
To pull or tow under; drag beneath; pull down.

noun:

A short-range flow of water returning seaward from the waves breaking on the shore.
A feeling that runs contrary to one's normal one.

undertow frequency in english - C2+ level of CEFR

the word undertow occurs in english on average 0.4 times per one million words; this frequency warrants it to be in the study list for C2+ level of language mastery according to CEFR, the Common European Framework of Reference.