How to pronounce circumvent
Say it like sur-kum-VENT. Circumvent has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (VENT).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce circumvent. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- sur
- kum
- VENT
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Circumvent pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- surGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- kumKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- VENTSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
American vs British pronunciation of circumvent
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: sur-kum-VENT.
What does circumvent mean?
- to avoid or get around something; to bypass
- to surround or besiege
- to outwit or outsmart
Where does circumvent come from?
Learned borrowing from Latin circumveniō.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with circumvent
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of circumvent.
Questions about saying circumvent
How do you pronounce circumvent?
Say sur-kum-VENT. The American pronunciation is /ˌsɝkəmˈvɛnt/. In British English it is /ˌsɜːkəmˈvɛnt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in circumvent?
Circumvent has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (VENT). Broken into parts: sur · kum · VENT.
Is circumvent 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 /ˌsɜːkəmˈvɛnt/ (sur-kum-VENT).