3 syllables: for, bid, ding. Stress on bid.
fur-BID-ing
/fɚˈbɪdɪŋ/
forbidding is pronounced fur-BID-ing (/fɚˈbɪdɪŋ/). It has three syllables (for-bid-ding), with the stress on "bid". Forbidding describes something that looks or feels dangerous or disapproving, or that imposes a strong deterrent. It can also mean stern or disapproving in tone. Overall, the word conveys a sense of constraint or warning that discourages certain actions or behaviors.
Forbidding describes something that looks or feels dangerous or disapproving, or that imposes a strong deterrent. It can also mean stern or disapproving in tone. Overall, the word conveys a sense of constraint or warning that discourages certain actions or behaviors.
"The forbidding signage warned visitors away from the cliff edge."
"Her voice had a forbidding chill, making everyone fall silent."
"The professor's forbidding glance suggested there would be no exceptions."
Pronounce as /ˈfɔːrˌbɪdɪŋ/ in US English and /ˈfɔːˌbɪdɪŋ/ in UK English. The primary stress is on the first syllable: FOR-bid-ding, with a lighter secondary stress on the second syllable. The /ɔː/ vowel is a long open-mid back vowel, the /ɹ/ in rhotic varieties, and the /bɪ/ is a short, clipped vowel before the /d/ cluster. Ensure the final -ing has a clear /ɪŋ/ rather than a reduced vowel. Audio example you can reference: [Pronounce or Forvo example] to hear the rhythm and stress.
Common mistakes include reducing the first syllable to a short /ɪ/ or /ə/ as in 'fer-bidding,' and mixing up the order or blending the /rb/ cluster too loosely. Another frequent error is pronouncing the second syllable with a strong /ɒ/ or /ɔː/ instead of /ɪ/; keep it short and unstressed. Correct by practicing the sequence: /ˈfɔːr/ + /bɪd/ + /ɪŋ/ with a crisp /r/ before the /bɪd/ and avoid vowel reduction in the first syllable in careful speech.
In US English you’ll hear a pronounced rhotic /ɹ/ in the first syllable, giving /ˈfɔːrˌbɪdɪŋ/. UK speakers may have a shorter /ɔː/ and a subtler /r/ or non-rhotic touch before /b/, yielding /ˈfɔːˌbɪdɪŋ/. Australian speakers align more with UK but can have broader vowels; the /r/ is often less reinforced than in General American. Across all, the last two syllables /bɪdɪŋ/ stay compact, with the -ing ending clearly audible. Listening to native speakers across platforms helps tune the subtle vowel lengths and rhoticity.
Three main challenges: the multi-syllabic rhythm with a hard onset in the first syllable and a cluster transition to /bɪd/; maintaining clear separation between /r/ and /b/ in American and some UK dialects; and the reduced, quick -ing ending. Practicing the sequence /ˈfɔːr/ - /bɪd/ - /ɪŋ/ with slow tempo helps stabilize the cluster and stress pattern, then increase speed. Also pay attention to lip rounding on the first vowel and keep the tongue relaxed to avoid an intrusive schwa.
No silent letters in forbidding, but the 'rb' blend requires precise timing: /r/ and /b/ sit close together; you don’t want a hiatus. Some learners accidentally mute the /r/ in American dialects or merge the /rb/ into a single flap. Practice the transition: /fɔːr/ followed immediately by /bɪd/, with a light, quick movement of the lips and tongue to keep the consonant boundary clear. This helps avoid flicking or delaying the /b/.
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Forbidding comes from the verb forbid, formed in Middle English from for- (a variation of ‘for’) and bid (to command). The past participle forbidden is related, but forbidding as an adjective uses the present participle form (-ing) to describe something that ‘forbids’ or conveys a deterrent impression. The sense of ‘making something seem off-limits or dangerous’ has been attested since early modern English, with broader usage to describe stern, intimidating behavior or atmospheres. The term sits at the intersection of warning, prohibition, and intimidation, often used of environments, expressions, or looks that deter action. First known uses surface in legal and literary contexts where a person or sign literally forbids access or action, then expands metaphorically to describe people or settings that feel unapproachable or menacing. Over time, forbidding has retained the core root sense of prohibition while expanding to negative affect or prescriptive restraint in social and environmental contexts.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "forbidding" and can often be used interchangeably.
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Words that rhyme with "forbidding"
-ing sounds
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