How to pronounce cowardice
Say it like KOW-er-dus. Cowardice has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KOW).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce cowardice. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KOW
- er
- dus
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Cowardice pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KOWSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ow" in now.
- erKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- dusKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of cowardice
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: KOW-uh-dis.
What does cowardice mean?
- Lack of courage.
Where does cowardice come from?
From Middle English cowardise, borrowed from Anglo-Norman cuardise (modern French couardise).
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying cowardice
How do you pronounce cowardice?
Say KOW-er-dus. The American pronunciation is /ˈkaʊɚdəs/. In British English it is /ˈkaʊədɪs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in cowardice?
Cowardice has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KOW). Broken into parts: KOW · er · dus.
Is cowardice 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 /ˈkaʊədɪs/ (KOW-uh-dis).