How to pronounce bequest
Say it like bih-KWEST. Bequest has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (KWEST).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce bequest. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- bih
- KWEST
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Bequest pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- bihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- KWESTSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
American vs British pronunciation of bequest
American and British speakers say bequest in essentially the same way: /bɪˈkwɛst/ in the US and /bɪˈkwɛst/ in the UK.
British respelling: bih-KWEST.
What does bequest mean?
- The act of bequeathing or leaving by will.
- The transfer of property upon the owner's death according to the will of the deceased.
- That which is left by will; a legacy.
- To give as a bequest; bequeath.
Where does bequest come from?
From Middle English biqueste, bequeste (“will, testament, bequest”), from be- + quiste, queste (“saying, utterance, testament, will, legacy”), from Old English *cwist, *cwiss (“saying”) (compare Old English andcwiss, ġecwis, uncwisse, etc.)
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with bequest
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of bequest.
Questions about saying bequest
How do you pronounce bequest?
Say bih-KWEST. The American pronunciation is /bɪˈkwɛst/. In British English it is /bɪˈkwɛst/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in bequest?
Bequest has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (KWEST). Broken into parts: bih · KWEST.
Do Americans and Brits say bequest the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /bɪˈkwɛst/ and the British form is /bɪˈkwɛst/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.