How to pronounce avail
Say it like uh-VAYL. Avail has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (VAYL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce avail. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- uh
- VAYL
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Avail pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- VAYLSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of avail
American and British speakers say avail in essentially the same way: /əˈveɪl/ in the US and /əˈveɪl/ in the UK.
British respelling: uh-VAYL.
What does avail mean?
- use to one's advantage“He availed himself of the available resources”
- be of use to, be useful to“It will avail them to dispose of their booty”
- take or use“She helped herself to some of the office supplies”
- a means of serving“of no avail”“there's no help for it”
Where does avail come from?
From Middle English availen (“to be of use”), from Old French a (“to”) + vail from valoir (“to be worth”), from Latin valere (“to be worthy, strong”).
Words that rhyme with avail
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of avail.
Questions about saying avail
How do you pronounce avail?
Say uh-VAYL. The American pronunciation is /əˈveɪl/. In British English it is /əˈveɪl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in avail?
Avail has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (VAYL). Broken into parts: uh · VAYL.
Do Americans and Brits say avail the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /əˈveɪl/ and the British form is /əˈveɪl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.