How to pronounce barbarous
Say it like BAR-buh-rus. Barbarous has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BAR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce barbarous. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- BAR
- buh
- rus
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Barbarous pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- BARSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- buhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- rusKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of barbarous
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: BAH-buh-rus.
What does barbarous mean?
- Not classical or pure.
- Uncivilized, uncultured.
- Mercilessly or impudently violent or cruel, savage.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying barbarous
How do you pronounce barbarous?
Say BAR-buh-rus. The American pronunciation is /ˈbɑrbərəs/. In British English it is /ˈbɑːbərəs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in barbarous?
Barbarous has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BAR). Broken into parts: BAR · buh · rus.
Is barbarous 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 /ˈbɑːbərəs/ (BAH-buh-rus).