How to pronounce inverse
Say it like in-VURS. Inverse has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (VURS).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce inverse. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- in
- VURS
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Inverse pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- inGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- VURSSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
American vs British pronunciation of inverse
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: in-VURS.
What does inverse mean?
- Opposite in effect, nature or order.
- Reverse, opposite in order.
- Inverted; having a position or mode of attachment the reverse of that which is usual.
- An inverted state: a state in which something has been turned (properly) upside down or (loosely) inside out or backwards.“Cowgirl is the inverse of missionary.”
- The reverse of any procedure or process.
- A ratio etc. in which the antecedents and consequents are switched.
- To compute the bearing and distance between two points.
Where does inverse come from?
Recorded since 1440, from Latin inversus, the past participle of invertere (“to invert”), itself from in- (“against, in”) + vertere (“to turn”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with inverse
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of inverse.
Questions about saying inverse
How do you pronounce inverse?
Say in-VURS. The American pronunciation is /ˌɪnˈvɝs/. In British English it is /ɪnˈvɜːs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in inverse?
Inverse has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (VURS). Broken into parts: in · VURS.
Is inverse 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 /ɪnˈvɜːs/ (in-VURS).