How to pronounce reprieve
Say it like ree-PREEV. Reprieve has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (PREEV).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce reprieve. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ree
- PREEV
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Reprieve pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- reeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- PREEVSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of reprieve
American and British speakers say reprieve in essentially the same way: /riˈpriv/ in the US and /riˈpriːv/ in the UK.
British respelling: ree-PREEV.
What does reprieve mean?
- The cancellation or postponement of a punishment.“The prisoner was saved from execution; the governor had requested a reprieve.”
- A document authorizing such an action.
- Relief from pain etc., especially temporary.
- To cancel or postpone the punishment of someone, especially an execution.
- To bring relief to someone.
- To abandon or postpone plans to close, withdraw or abolish (something).
Where does reprieve come from?
First use appears c. 1513 in the writings of Robert Fabyan.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with reprieve
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of reprieve.
Questions about saying reprieve
How do you pronounce reprieve?
Say ree-PREEV. The American pronunciation is /riˈpriv/. In British English it is /riˈpriːv/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in reprieve?
Reprieve has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (PREEV). Broken into parts: ree · PREEV.
Do Americans and Brits say reprieve the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /riˈpriv/ and the British form is /riˈpriːv/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.