How to pronounce governess
Say it like GUHV-er-nus. Governess has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (GUHV).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce governess. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- GUHV
- er
- nus
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Governess 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.
- erKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- nusKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of governess
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: GUHV-uh-nus.
What does governess mean?
- A woman paid to educate children in their own home.
- A female governor.
- The wife of a governor.
- To work as governess; to educate children in their own home.
Where does governess come from?
From Middle English governesse, a contracted form of governeresse, from Old French governeresse (“female ruler or administrator”).
Questions about saying governess
How do you pronounce governess?
Say GUHV-er-nus. The American pronunciation is /ˈɡʌvɚnəs/. In British English it is /ˈɡʌvənəs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in governess?
Governess has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (GUHV). Broken into parts: GUHV · er · nus.
Is governess 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 /ˈɡʌvənəs/ (GUHV-uh-nus).