How to pronounce obverse
Say it like OB-vers. Obverse has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (OB).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce obverse. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- OB
- vers
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Obverse pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- OBSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- versKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of obverse
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: OB-vus.
What does obverse mean?
- Turned or facing toward the observer.“The obverse side of the gravestone has the inscription.”
- Corresponding; complementary.“When you speak clearly, people understand you. If you don't mumble, the obverse effect is observed.”
- Having the base, or end next to the attachment, narrower than the top.“an obverse leaf”
- The heads side of a coin, or the side of a medal or badge that has the principal design.“The medal had a cross on the obverse and had a name inscribed on the reverse.”
- A proposition obtained by obversion.
Where does obverse come from?
From Latin obversus, 1650s.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying obverse
How do you pronounce obverse?
Say OB-vers. The American pronunciation is /ˈɑbvɚs/. In British English it is /ˈɒbvəs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in obverse?
Obverse has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (OB). Broken into parts: OB · vers.
Is obverse 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 /ˈɒbvəs/ (OB-vus).