How to pronounce reverberation
Say it like ree-vur-buh-RAY-shun. Reverberation has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the fourth one (RAY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce reverberation. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ree
- vur
- buh
- RAY
- shun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Reverberation 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.
- vurGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- buhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- RAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- shunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of reverberation
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: ree-vur-buh-RAY-shun.
What does reverberation mean?
- A violent oscillation or vibration.“The discomfort caused by the bat's reverberation surprised Tommy.”
- An echo, or a series of overlapping echoes.“The reverberation that followed Marilyn's shout filled the cavern.”
- The reflection of light or heat; a reflection in, or as though in, a mirror.“Like the several reverberations of the same image from two opposite looking glasses.”
Where does reverberation come from?
From Old French reverberation, from Medieval Latin reverberatio.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with reverberation
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of reverberation.
Questions about saying reverberation
How do you pronounce reverberation?
Say ree-vur-buh-RAY-shun. The American pronunciation is /riˌvɝbəˈreɪʃən/. In British English it is /riˌvɜːbəˈreɪʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in reverberation?
Reverberation has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the fourth one (RAY). Broken into parts: ree · vur · buh · RAY · shun.
Is reverberation 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 /riˌvɜːbəˈreɪʃən/ (ree-vur-buh-RAY-shun).