How to pronounce governed
Say it like GUHV-ernd. Governed has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (GUHV).
VoiceSpeed
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce governed. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
US American/ˈɡʌvɚnd/GUHV-ernd
UK British/ˈɡʌvənd/GUHV-und
- GUHV
- ernd
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Governed pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- GUHVSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- erndKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of governed
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: GUHV-und.
What does governed mean?
noun
- the body of people who are citizens of a particular government“governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed”
Questions about saying governed
How do you pronounce governed?
Say GUHV-ernd. The American pronunciation is /ˈɡʌvɚnd/. In British English it is /ˈɡʌvənd/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in governed?
Governed has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (GUHV). Broken into parts: GUHV · ernd.
Is governed 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 /ˈɡʌvənd/ (GUHV-und).