How to pronounce cavernous
Say it like KAV-er-nus. Cavernous has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAV).
- KAV
- er
- nus
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Cavernous pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KAVSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- erKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- nusKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of cavernous
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: KAV-uh-nus.
What does cavernous mean?
- Resembling a cavern in size, shape, or atmosphere.
- Giving the impression of vast, dark depths.“cavernous eyes”
- Composed largely of vascular sinuses and capable of dilating with blood to bring about the erection of a body part.
Where does cavernous come from?
Late Middle English cavernous, cavernose, borrowing from Old French caverneux or Latin cavernōsus (“full of hollows or cavities”), from caverna (“a hollow, cavity, cave”) + -ōsus (“-ous, -ose”, adjectival suffix); equivalent to cavern + -ous.
Questions about saying cavernous
How do you pronounce cavernous?
Say KAV-er-nus. The American pronunciation is /ˈkævɚnəs/. In British English it is /ˈkævənəs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in cavernous?
Cavernous has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAV). Broken into parts: KAV · er · nus.
Is cavernous 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 /ˈkævənəs/ (KAV-uh-nus).