How to pronounce absolve
Say it like ab-ZAHLV. Absolve has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (ZAHLV).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce absolve. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ab
- ZAHLV
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Absolve pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- abKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- ZAHLVSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
American vs British pronunciation of absolve
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: ub-ZOLV.
What does absolve mean?
- To set free, release or discharge (from obligations, debts, responsibility etc.).“You will absolve a subject from his allegiance.”
- To pronounce free from or give absolution for a penalty, blame, or guilt.
- To pronounce not guilty; to grant a pardon for.
Where does absolve come from?
First attested in the early 15th century.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with absolve
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of absolve.
Questions about saying absolve
How do you pronounce absolve?
Say ab-ZAHLV. The American pronunciation is /æbˈzɑlv/. In British English it is /əbˈzɒlv/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in absolve?
Absolve has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (ZAHLV). Broken into parts: ab · ZAHLV.
Is absolve pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /əbˈzɒlv/ (ub-ZOLV).