How to pronounce leverage
Say it like LEV-uh-rij. Leverage has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LEV).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce leverage. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- LEV
- uh
- rij
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Leverage pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- LEVSay 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.
- rijKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of leverage
American and British speakers say leverage in essentially the same way: /ˈlɛvərɪdʒ/ in the US and /ˈlɛvərɪdʒ/ in the UK.
British respelling: LEV-uh-rij.
Other ways to say leverage
Leverage also has this pronunciation, usually with a different meaning or use:
- LEE-vuh-rij /ˈlivərɪdʒ/
What does leverage mean?
- the mechanical advantage gained by being in a position to use a lever
- strategic advantage; power to act effectively“relatively small groups can sometimes exert immense political leverage”
- investing with borrowed money as a way to amplify potential gains (at the risk of greater losses)
- supplement with leverage“leverage the money that is already available”
- provide with leverage“We need to leverage this company”
Where does leverage come from?
From lever + -age. The verb likely comes from martial arts/judo usage, where one would "use an opponent's leverage (i.e.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with leverage
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of leverage.
Questions about saying leverage
How do you pronounce leverage?
Say LEV-uh-rij. The American pronunciation is /ˈlɛvərɪdʒ/. In British English it is /ˈlɛvərɪdʒ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in leverage?
Leverage has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LEV). Broken into parts: LEV · uh · rij.
Do Americans and Brits say leverage the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈlɛvərɪdʒ/ and the British form is /ˈlɛvərɪdʒ/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.