How to pronounce convalesce
Say it like kahn-vuh-LES. Convalesce has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (LES).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce convalesce. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- kahn
- vuh
- LES
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Convalesce pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- kahnGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- vuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- LESSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
American vs British pronunciation of convalesce
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: kon-vuh-LES.
What does convalesce mean?
- To recover health and strength gradually after sickness or weakness.“The patient convalesced for six months after his stroke.”
Where does convalesce come from?
From Latin convalēscere, from con- (intensive prefix) + valēscere (“to become strong”), inchoative of valēre (“to be strong”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with convalesce
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of convalesce.
Questions about saying convalesce
How do you pronounce convalesce?
Say kahn-vuh-LES. The American pronunciation is /ˌkɑnvəˈlɛs/. In British English it is /ˌkɒnvəˈlɛs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in convalesce?
Convalesce has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (LES). Broken into parts: kahn · vuh · LES.
Is convalesce pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /ˌkɒnvəˈlɛs/ (kon-vuh-LES).