How to pronounce clever
Say it like KLEV-er. Clever has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KLEV).
VoiceSpeed
US American/ˈklɛvɚ/KLEV-er
UK British/ˈklɛvə/KLEV-uh
- KLEV
- er
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Clever pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KLEVSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- erKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of clever
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: KLEV-uh.
What does clever mean?
adjective
- Nimble with hands or body; dexterous; skillful; adept.
- Quick to understand, learn, and devise or apply ideas; intelligent.
- Mentally quick and resourceful; skilled at achieving what one wants in a mentally agile and inventive way.“clever like a fox”
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with clever
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of clever.
Questions about saying clever
How do you pronounce clever?
Say KLEV-er. The American pronunciation is /ˈklɛvɚ/. In British English it is /ˈklɛvə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in clever?
Clever has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KLEV). Broken into parts: KLEV · er.
Is clever 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 /ˈklɛvə/ (KLEV-uh).