How to pronounce guesswork
Say it like GHES-wurk. Guesswork has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (GHES).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce guesswork. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- GHES
- wurk
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Guesswork pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- GHESSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- wurkGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
American vs British pronunciation of guesswork
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: GHES-wurk.
What does guesswork mean?
- An estimate, judgment or opinion made by guessing, from limited information.
Where does guesswork come from?
From guess + work. Compare Dutch giswerk (“guesswork”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying guesswork
How do you pronounce guesswork?
Say GHES-wurk. The American pronunciation is /ˈɡɛˌswɝk/. In British English it is /ˈɡɛˌswɜːk/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in guesswork?
Guesswork has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (GHES). Broken into parts: GHES · wurk.
Is guesswork 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 /ˈɡɛˌswɜːk/ (GHES-wurk).