How to pronounce nearer
Say it like NIR-er. Nearer has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (NIR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce nearer. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- NIR
- er
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Nearer pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- NIRSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- erKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of nearer
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: NEER-uh.
What does nearer mean?
- Less distant; comparative form of near: more near.“There are two pubs in the town; the nearer one is about a five-minute walk away.”
- Closer to.“I'd like to live nearer the office.”
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with nearer
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of nearer.
Questions about saying nearer
How do you pronounce nearer?
Say NIR-er. The American pronunciation is /ˈnɪrɚ/. In British English it is /ˈnɪərə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in nearer?
Nearer has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (NIR). Broken into parts: NIR · er.
Is nearer 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 /ˈnɪərə/ (NEER-uh).