How to pronounce cleverness
Say it like KLEV-er-nus. Cleverness has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KLEV).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce cleverness. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KLEV
- er
- nus
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Cleverness 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.
- nusKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of cleverness
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: KLEV-uh-nus.
What does cleverness mean?
- The property of being clever.
- Something clever, or done cleverly.
Where does cleverness come from?
From clever + -ness.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying cleverness
How do you pronounce cleverness?
Say KLEV-er-nus. The American pronunciation is /ˈklɛvɚnəs/. In British English it is /ˈklɛvənəs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in cleverness?
Cleverness has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KLEV). Broken into parts: KLEV · er · nus.
Is cleverness 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 /ˈklɛvənəs/ (KLEV-uh-nus).