How to pronounce irreverence
Say it like ir-EV-uh-runs. Irreverence has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (EV).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce irreverence. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ir
- EV
- uh
- runs
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Irreverence pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- irGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- EVSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- runsKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of irreverence
American and British speakers say irreverence in essentially the same way: /ˌɪˈrɛvərəns/ in the US and /ˌɪˈrɛvərəns/ in the UK.
British respelling: ir-EV-uh-runs.
What does irreverence mean?
- The state or quality of being irreverent; want of proper reverence; disregard of the authority and character of a superior.
Where does irreverence come from?
From Middle English irreverence, from Latin irreverentia, from irreverēns (“irreverent”) + -ia (suffix forming abstract nouns).
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying irreverence
How do you pronounce irreverence?
Say ir-EV-uh-runs. The American pronunciation is /ˌɪˈrɛvərəns/. In British English it is /ˌɪˈrɛvərəns/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in irreverence?
Irreverence has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (EV). Broken into parts: ir · EV · uh · runs.
Do Americans and Brits say irreverence the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌɪˈrɛvərəns/ and the British form is /ˌɪˈrɛvərəns/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.