How to pronounce marvellous
Say it like MAR-vuh-lus. Marvellous has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MAR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce marvellous. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- MAR
- vuh
- lus
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Marvellous pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- MARSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- vuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- lusKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of marvellous
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: MAH-vuh-lus.
What does marvellous mean?
- Exciting wonder or surprise; astonishing; wonderful.“I went to a marvellous party last week.”
Where does marvellous come from?
First attested from 1300 as Middle English merveilous, from Old French merveillus, from merveille (“a wonder”) + -us.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with marvellous
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of marvellous.
Words that sound like marvellous
Questions about saying marvellous
How do you pronounce marvellous?
Say MAR-vuh-lus. The American pronunciation is /ˈmɑrvələs/. In British English it is /ˈmɑːvələs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in marvellous?
Marvellous has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MAR). Broken into parts: MAR · vuh · lus.
Is marvellous 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 /ˈmɑːvələs/ (MAH-vuh-lus).
What words sound the same as marvellous?
Marvellous sounds the same as marvelous in American English. The spelling and meaning are what tell them apart.