How to pronounce provocateur
Say it like pruh-vok-uh-TUR. Provocateur has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the fourth one (TUR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce provocateur. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- pruh
- vok
- uh
- TUR
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Provocateur pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- pruhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- vokGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- TURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
American vs British pronunciation of provocateur
- 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: pruh-vok-uh-TUR.
What does provocateur mean?
- One who engages in provocative behavior.
- An undercover agent who incites suspected persons to partake in or commit criminal acts.
Where does provocateur come from?
Borrowed from French provocateur.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with provocateur
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of provocateur.
Questions about saying provocateur
How do you pronounce provocateur?
Say pruh-vok-uh-TUR. The American pronunciation is /prəˌvɑkəˈtɝ/. In British English it is /prəˌvɒkəˈtɜː/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in provocateur?
Provocateur has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the fourth one (TUR). Broken into parts: pruh · vok · uh · TUR.
Is provocateur 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 /prəˌvɒkəˈtɜː/ (pruh-vok-uh-TUR).