How to pronounce arduous
Say it like AR-joo-us. Arduous has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AR).
VoiceSpeed
US American/ˈɑrdʒuəs/AR-joo-us
UK British/ˈɑːdjʊəs/AH-dyoors
- AR
- joo
- us
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Arduous pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ARSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- jooKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "oo" in food.
- usKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of arduous
- American English uses 3 syllables and British English 2.
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: AH-dyoors.
What does arduous mean?
adjective
- Needing or using up much energy; testing powers of endurance.“The movement towards a peaceful settlement has been a long and arduous political struggle.”
- Difficult or exhausting to traverse.
Where does arduous come from?
From Latin arduus (“lofty, high, steep, hard to reach, difficult, laborious”), akin to Irish ard (“high”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying arduous
How do you pronounce arduous?
Say AR-joo-us. The American pronunciation is /ˈɑrdʒuəs/. In British English it is /ˈɑːdjʊəs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in arduous?
Arduous has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AR). Broken into parts: AR · joo · us.
Is arduous pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. American English uses 3 syllables and British English 2. The British form is /ˈɑːdjʊəs/ (AH-dyoors).