How to pronounce cursory
Say it like KUR-suh-ree. Cursory has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KUR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce cursory. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KUR
- suh
- ree
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Cursory pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- suhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- reeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of cursory
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: KUR-suh-ree.
What does cursory mean?
- Hasty or superficial.“cursory glance”
- Careless or desultory.“The cursory inspection missed several irregularities.”
Where does cursory come from?
Borrowed from Middle French cursoire (“rapid”), from Latin cursorius (“hasty, of a race or running”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with cursory
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of cursory.
Questions about saying cursory
How do you pronounce cursory?
Say KUR-suh-ree. The American pronunciation is /ˈkɝsəri/. In British English it is /ˈkɜːsəri/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in cursory?
Cursory has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KUR). Broken into parts: KUR · suh · ree.
Is cursory 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 /ˈkɜːsəri/ (KUR-suh-ree).