How to pronounce generous
Say it like JEN-uh-rus. Generous has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (JEN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce generous. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- JEN
- uh
- rus
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Generous pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- JENSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- rusKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of generous
American and British speakers say generous in essentially the same way: /ˈdʒɛnərəs/ in the US and /ˈdʒɛnərəs/ in the UK.
British respelling: JEN-uh-rus.
What does generous mean?
- willing to give and share unstintingly“a generous donation”
- not petty in character and mind“unusually generous in his judgment of people”
- more than is usual or necessary“a generous portion”
Where does generous come from?
From Middle French genereux, and its source, Latin generōsus (“of noble birth”), from genus (“race, stock”).
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying generous
How do you pronounce generous?
Say JEN-uh-rus. The American pronunciation is /ˈdʒɛnərəs/. In British English it is /ˈdʒɛnərəs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in generous?
Generous has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (JEN). Broken into parts: JEN · uh · rus.
Do Americans and Brits say generous the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈdʒɛnərəs/ and the British form is /ˈdʒɛnərəs/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.