How to pronounce quicksilver
Say it like KWIK-sil-ver. Quicksilver has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KWIK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce quicksilver. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KWIK
- sil
- ver
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Quicksilver pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KWIKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- silGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- verKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of quicksilver
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: KWIK-sil-vuh.
What does quicksilver mean?
- Unpredictable, erratic, or fickle; mercurial.
- The metal mercury.
- An amalgam of mercury and tin applied to the backs of mirrors; quicksilvering.
- To overlay with quicksilver.
- To treat with quicksilver.
Where does quicksilver come from?
From Middle English quyk silver, quyksilver, quikselver, from Old English cwicseolfor (“quicksilver”, literally “living silver”) (see Latin argentum vīvum) from its ability to move.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying quicksilver
How do you pronounce quicksilver?
Say KWIK-sil-ver. The American pronunciation is /ˈkwɪkˌsɪlvɚ/. In British English it is /ˈkwɪkˌsɪlvə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in quicksilver?
Quicksilver has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KWIK). Broken into parts: KWIK · sil · ver.
Is quicksilver 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 /ˈkwɪkˌsɪlvə/ (KWIK-sil-vuh).