How to pronounce contravene
Say it like KAHN-truh-veen. Contravene has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAHN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce contravene. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KAHN
- truh
- veen
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Contravene pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KAHNSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- truhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- veenGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of contravene
- The stress moves: Americans stress syllable 1, while British speakers stress syllable 3.
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: kon-truh-VEEN.
What does contravene mean?
- To act contrary to an order; to fail to conform to a regulation or obligation.
Where does contravene come from?
From Middle French contravenir (French contrevenir), from Latin contraveniō.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying contravene
How do you pronounce contravene?
Say KAHN-truh-veen. The American pronunciation is /ˈkɑntrəˌvin/. In British English it is /ˌkɒntrəˈviːn/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in contravene?
Contravene has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAHN). Broken into parts: KAHN · truh · veen.
Is contravene pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The stress moves: Americans stress syllable 1, while British speakers stress syllable 3. The British form is /ˌkɒntrəˈviːn/ (kon-truh-VEEN).