How to pronounce effort
Say it like EF-ert. Effort has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (EF).
VoiceSpeed
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce effort. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
US American/ˈɛfɚt/EF-ert
UK British/ˈɛfət/EF-ut
- EF
- ert
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Effort pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- EFSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- ertKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of effort
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: EF-ut.
What does effort mean?
noun
- earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something“made an effort to cover all the reading material”“wished him luck in his endeavor”
- use of physical or mental energy; hard work“he got an A for effort”“they managed only with great exertion”
- a notable achievement“he performed a great feat”“the book was her finest effort”
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying effort
How do you pronounce effort?
Say EF-ert. The American pronunciation is /ˈɛfɚt/. In British English it is /ˈɛfət/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in effort?
Effort has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (EF). Broken into parts: EF · ert.
Is effort 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 /ˈɛfət/ (EF-ut).