How to pronounce observance
Say it like ub-ZUR-vuns. Observance has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (ZUR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce observance. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ub
- ZUR
- vuns
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Observance pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ubKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- ZURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- vunsKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of observance
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: ub-ZUR-vuns.
What does observance mean?
- The practice of complying with a law, custom, command or rule.
- The custom of celebrating a holiday or similar occasion.
- Observation or the act of watching.
Where does observance come from?
From Old French observance, from Latin observantia.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying observance
How do you pronounce observance?
Say ub-ZUR-vuns. The American pronunciation is /əbˈzɝvəns/. In British English it is /əbˈzɜːvəns/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in observance?
Observance has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (ZUR). Broken into parts: ub · ZUR · vuns.
Is observance 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 /əbˈzɜːvəns/ (ub-ZUR-vuns).