How to pronounce harshness
Say it like HARSH-nus. Harshness has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (HARSH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce harshness. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- HARSH
- nus
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Harshness pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- HARSHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- nusKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of harshness
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: HAHSH-nus.
What does harshness mean?
- The quality of being harsh.
Where does harshness come from?
From Middle English harsknes; equivalent to harsh + -ness.
Questions about saying harshness
How do you pronounce harshness?
Say HARSH-nus. The American pronunciation is /ˈhɑrʃnəs/. In British English it is /ˈhɑːʃnəs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in harshness?
Harshness has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (HARSH). Broken into parts: HARSH · nus.
Is harshness 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 /ˈhɑːʃnəs/ (HAHSH-nus).