How to pronounce conserve
Say it like kun-SURV. Conserve has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SURV).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce conserve. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- kun
- SURV
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Conserve pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- kunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- SURVSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
American vs British pronunciation of conserve
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: kun-SURV.
What does conserve mean?
- Wilderness where human development is prohibited.
- A jam or thick syrup made from fruit.
- To save for later use, sometimes by the use of a preservative.“to conserve fruits with sugar”
- To protect an environment, heritage, etc.
- To remain unchanged during a process
Where does conserve come from?
From Middle English conserven, from Old French conserver, from Latin conservare (“to keep, preserve”), from com- (intensive prefix) + servo (“keep watch, maintain”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with conserve
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of conserve.
Questions about saying conserve
How do you pronounce conserve?
Say kun-SURV. The American pronunciation is /kənˈsɝv/. In British English it is /kənˈsɜːv/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in conserve?
Conserve has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SURV). Broken into parts: kun · SURV.
Is conserve 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 /kənˈsɜːv/ (kun-SURV).