How to pronounce countervail
Say it like KOWN-ter-vayl. Countervail has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KOWN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce countervail. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KOWN
- ter
- vayl
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Countervail pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KOWNSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ow" in now.
- terKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- vaylGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of countervail
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: KOWN-tuh-vayl.
What does countervail mean?
- To counter, counteract, counterbalance, neutralize, or negate.
- To compensate for.
Where does countervail come from?
From Anglo-Norman countrevaloir (Old French contrevaloir), from Latin contrā valēre (“to be strong against”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying countervail
How do you pronounce countervail?
Say KOWN-ter-vayl. The American pronunciation is /ˈkaʊntɚˌveɪl/. In British English it is /ˈkaʊntəveɪl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in countervail?
Countervail has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KOWN). Broken into parts: KOWN · ter · vayl.
Is countervail 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 /ˈkaʊntəveɪl/ (KOWN-tuh-vayl).