How to pronounce case
Say it like KAYS. Case is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress.
- KAYS
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Case pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KAYSSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of case
American and British speakers say case in essentially the same way: /keɪs/ in the US and /keɪs/ in the UK.
British respelling: KAYS.
What does case mean?
- an occurrence of something“it was a case of bad judgment”“another instance occurred yesterday”
- a special set of circumstances“in that event, the first possibility is excluded”“it may rain in which case the picnic will be canceled”
- a comprehensive term for any proceeding in a court of law whereby an individual seeks a legal remedy“the family brought suit against the landlord”
- look over, usually with the intention to rob“They men cased the housed”
- enclose in, or as if in, a case“my feet were encased in mud”
Where does case come from?
From Middle English cas, from Old French cas (“an event”), from Latin cāsus (“a falling, a fall; accident, event, occurrence; occasion, opportunity; noun case”), perfect passive participle of cadō (“to fall, to drop”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with case
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of case.
Questions about saying case
How do you pronounce case?
Say KAYS. The American pronunciation is /keɪs/. In British English it is /keɪs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in case?
Case is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress. Broken into parts: KAYS.
Do Americans and Brits say case the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /keɪs/ and the British form is /keɪs/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.