How to pronounce reversal
Say it like rih-VUR-sul. Reversal has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (VUR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce reversal. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- rih
- VUR
- sul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Reversal pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- rihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- VURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- sulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of reversal
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: rih-VUR-sul.
What does reversal mean?
- a change from one state to the opposite state“there was a reversal of autonomic function”
- an unfortunate happening that hinders or impedes; something that is thwarting or frustrating
- turning in an opposite direction or position“the reversal of the image in the lens”
Where does reversal come from?
Inherited from Middle English reversall.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with reversal
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of reversal.
Questions about saying reversal
How do you pronounce reversal?
Say rih-VUR-sul. The American pronunciation is /rɪˈvɝsəl/. In British English it is /rɪˈvɜːsəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in reversal?
Reversal has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (VUR). Broken into parts: rih · VUR · sul.
Is reversal 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 /rɪˈvɜːsəl/ (rih-VUR-sul).