How to pronounce avert
Say it like uh-VURT. Avert has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (VURT).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce avert. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- uh
- VURT
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Avert 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.
- VURTSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
American vs British pronunciation of avert
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: uh-VURT.
What does avert mean?
- To turn aside or away.“I averted my eyes while my friend typed in her password.”
- To ward off, or prevent, the occurrence or effects of.“How can the danger be averted?”
Where does avert come from?
From Middle English averten, adverten, from Old French avertir (“turn, direct, avert; turn the attention, make aware”), from Latin āvertere, from ab + vertō (“to turn”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with avert
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of avert.
Questions about saying avert
How do you pronounce avert?
Say uh-VURT. The American pronunciation is /əˈvɝt/. In British English it is /əˈvɜːt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in avert?
Avert has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (VURT). Broken into parts: uh · VURT.
Is avert pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /əˈvɜːt/ (uh-VURT).