How to pronounce largesse
Say it like lar-GHES. Largesse has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (GHES).
- lar
- GHES
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Largesse pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- larKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- GHESSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
American vs British pronunciation of largesse
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: lah-JES.
What does largesse mean?
- The trait of being willing to donate money, resources, or time; generosity, liberality.
- Often preceded by do, give, or make: the generous or liberal giving of gifts or money, especially by someone of high standing on a special occasion; also, excessive or wasteful giving.
- Money, etc., given in this way.
Where does largesse come from?
From Middle English larges, largess, largesse [and other forms], from Anglo-Norman largece, largesce, Middle French largece, largesce, largesse, and Old French largesce (“breadth, width; request for a monetary gift; (act of) generous giving
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- benevolence
- munificence
- bounty
- largess
- magnanimity
- openhandedness
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with largesse
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of largesse.
Questions about saying largesse
How do you pronounce largesse?
Say lar-GHES. The American pronunciation is /lɑrˈɡɛs/. In British English it is /lɑːˈdʒɛs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in largesse?
Largesse has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (GHES). Broken into parts: lar · GHES.
Is largesse 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 /lɑːˈdʒɛs/ (lah-JES).