How to pronounce forebear
Say it like FOR-beh-er. Forebear has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FOR).
VoiceSpeed
US American/ˈfɔrˌbɛɚ/FOR-beh-er
UK British/ˈfɔːˌbɛə/FAW-bair
- FOR
- beh
- er
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Forebear pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- FORSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- behGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- erKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of forebear
- American English uses 3 syllables and British English 2.
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: FAW-bair.
What does forebear mean?
noun
- An ancestor.
Where does forebear come from?
Late 15th century, from fore- + beer (“one who is or exists”, literally “be-er”).
Questions about saying forebear
How do you pronounce forebear?
Say FOR-beh-er. The American pronunciation is /ˈfɔrˌbɛɚ/. In British English it is /ˈfɔːˌbɛə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in forebear?
Forebear has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FOR). Broken into parts: FOR · beh · er.
Is forebear pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. American English uses 3 syllables and British English 2. The British form is /ˈfɔːˌbɛə/ (FAW-bair).