How to pronounce covetous
Say it like KUHV-uh-tus. Covetous has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KUHV).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce covetous. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KUHV
- uh
- tus
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Covetous pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KUHVSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- tusKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of covetous
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: KUHV-uh-tus.
What does covetous mean?
- Distastefully desirous or keen, especially for something belonging to someone else; avaricious.
Where does covetous come from?
From Middle English coveitous, from Anglo-Norman *cuveitus, from Medieval Latin as if *cupiditosus, from Latin cupiditas (“desire”); see covet.
Questions about saying covetous
How do you pronounce covetous?
Say KUHV-uh-tus. The American pronunciation is /ˈkʌvətəs/. In British English it is /ˈkʌvətəs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in covetous?
Covetous has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KUHV). Broken into parts: KUHV · uh · tus.
Is covetous pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t. The British form is /ˈkʌvətəs/ (KUHV-uh-tus).