How to pronounce rearward
Say it like REER-wurd. Rearward has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (REER).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce rearward. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- REER
- wurd
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Rearward pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- REERSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- wurdKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
American vs British pronunciation of rearward
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: REER-wurd.
What does rearward mean?
- The part that comes last or is situated in the rear; conclusion, wind-up.
- The last troop; the rear of an army; a rear guard.
- Toward the back or rear of something.“The rearward seats of the bus were unpleasantly close to the toilet facilities.”
- Toward the back or rear of something.
Where does rearward come from?
From rear + -ward.
Questions about saying rearward
How do you pronounce rearward?
Say REER-wurd. The American pronunciation is /ˈrirwɝd/. In British English it is /ˈrɪəwɜːd/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in rearward?
Rearward has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (REER). Broken into parts: REER · wurd.
Is rearward 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 /ˈrɪəwɜːd/ (REER-wurd).