How to pronounce hospice
Say it like HOS-pus. Hospice has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (HOS).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce hospice. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- HOS
- pus
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Hospice pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- HOSSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- pusKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of hospice
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: HOS-pis.
What does hospice mean?
- A lodging for pilgrims or the destitute, normally provided by a monastic order.
- The provision of palliative care for terminally ill patients, either at a specialized facility or at a residence, and support for the family, typically refraining from taking extraordinary measures to prolong life.
- A specialized facility or organization offering palliative care for the terminally ill.
Where does hospice come from?
Borrowed from French hospice, from Old French hospise, from Latin hospitium (“hospitality, an inn”).
Questions about saying hospice
How do you pronounce hospice?
Say HOS-pus. The American pronunciation is /ˈhɑspəs/. In British English it is /ˈhɒspɪs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in hospice?
Hospice has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (HOS). Broken into parts: HOS · pus.
Is hospice pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /ˈhɒspɪs/ (HOS-pis).