How to pronounce overrule
Say it like oh-ver-ROOL. Overrule has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (ROOL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce overrule. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- oh
- ver
- ROOL
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Overrule pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ohGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "o" in go.
- verKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- ROOLSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "oo" in food.
American vs British pronunciation of overrule
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: oh-vuh-ROOL.
What does overrule mean?
- To rule over; to govern or determine by superior authority.
- To rule or determine in a contrary way; to decide against; to abrogate or alter.
- To nullify a previous ruling by a higher power.“The line judge signaled the ball was in, but this was overruled by the umpire.”
Where does overrule come from?
From over- + rule.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with overrule
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of overrule.
Questions about saying overrule
How do you pronounce overrule?
Say oh-ver-ROOL. The American pronunciation is /ˌoʊvɚˈrul/. In British English it is /ˌəʊvəˈruːl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in overrule?
Overrule has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (ROOL). Broken into parts: oh · ver · ROOL.
Is overrule 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 /ˌəʊvəˈruːl/ (oh-vuh-ROOL).