How to pronounce inversion
Say it like in-VUR-zhun. Inversion has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (VUR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce inversion. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- in
- VUR
- zhun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Inversion 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.
- VURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- zhunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of inversion
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: in-VUR-zhun.
What does inversion mean?
- The action of inverting.
- The act of being in an inverted state; being upside down, inside out, or in a reverse sequence.
- The reversal of an interval; the move of one pitch in an interval up or down an octave.
Where does inversion come from?
From Latin inversiōnem.
Words that rhyme with inversion
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of inversion.
Questions about saying inversion
How do you pronounce inversion?
Say in-VUR-zhun. The American pronunciation is /ˌɪnˈvɝʒən/. In British English it is /ɪnˈvɜːʒən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in inversion?
Inversion has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (VUR). Broken into parts: in · VUR · zhun.
Is inversion 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 /ɪnˈvɜːʒən/ (in-VUR-zhun).