How to pronounce jest
Say it like JEST. Jest is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress.
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce jest. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- JEST
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Jest pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- JESTSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
American vs British pronunciation of jest
American and British speakers say jest in essentially the same way: /dʒɛst/ in the US and /dʒɛst/ in the UK.
British respelling: JEST.
What does jest mean?
- To tell a joke; to talk in a playful manner; to make fun of something or someone.“Surely you jest!”
- Pronunciation spelling of just.
Where does jest come from?
From Middle English geste (“idle tale”), from Old French geste (“acts, exploits”), from Latin gesta (“acts, deeds”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with jest
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of jest.
Questions about saying jest
How do you pronounce jest?
Say JEST. The American pronunciation is /dʒɛst/. In British English it is /dʒɛst/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in jest?
Jest is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress. Broken into parts: JEST.
Do Americans and Brits say jest the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /dʒɛst/ and the British form is /dʒɛst/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.