How to pronounce earnestness
Say it like UR-nist-nus. Earnestness has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (UR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce earnestness. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- UR
- nist
- nus
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Earnestness pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- URSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- nistKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- nusKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of earnestness
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: UR-nist-nus.
What does earnestness mean?
- The quality of being earnest; sincerity; seriousness.“She spoke with great earnestness about the issue.”
Where does earnestness come from?
From earnest + -ness.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying earnestness
How do you pronounce earnestness?
Say UR-nist-nus. The American pronunciation is /ˈɝnɪstnəs/. In British English it is /ˈɜːnɪstnəs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in earnestness?
Earnestness has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (UR). Broken into parts: UR · nist · nus.
Is earnestness 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 /ˈɜːnɪstnəs/ (UR-nist-nus).