How to pronounce proverb
Say it like PROV-erb. Proverb has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PROV).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce proverb. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- PROV
- erb
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Proverb pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PROVSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- erbKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of proverb
- 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: PROV-urb.
What does proverb mean?
- A commonly used sentence expressing popular wisdom.
- To write or utter proverbs.
- To name in, or as, a proverb.
- To provide with a proverb.
Where does proverb come from?
From Old French proverbe, from Latin proverbium.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying proverb
How do you pronounce proverb?
Say PROV-erb. The American pronunciation is /ˈprɑvɚb/. In British English it is /ˈprɒvɜːb/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in proverb?
Proverb has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PROV). Broken into parts: PROV · erb.
Is proverb 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 /ˈprɒvɜːb/ (PROV-urb).