How to pronounce reverse
Say it like rih-VURS. Reverse has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (VURS).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce reverse. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- rih
- VURS
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Reverse 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.
- VURSSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
American vs British pronunciation of reverse
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: rih-VURS.
What does reverse mean?
- change to the contrary“The trend was reversed”“the tides turned against him”
- turn inside out or upside down
- rule against“The Republicans were overruled when the House voted on the bill”
- a relation of direct opposition“we thought Sue was older than Bill but just the reverse was true”
- the gears by which the motion of a machine can be reversed
- an unfortunate happening that hinders or impedes; something that is thwarting or frustrating
- directed or moving toward the rear“a rearward glance”“a rearward movement”
- of the transmission gear causing backward movement in a motor vehicle“in reverse gear”
- reversed (turned backward) in order or nature or effect
Where does reverse come from?
From Middle English revers, from Anglo-Norman revers, Middle French revers, and their source, Latin reversus, perfect passive participle of reversō, from re- + versō.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with reverse
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of reverse.
Questions about saying reverse
How do you pronounce reverse?
Say rih-VURS. The American pronunciation is /rɪˈvɝs/. In British English it is /rɪˈvɜːs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in reverse?
Reverse has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (VURS). Broken into parts: rih · VURS.
Is reverse 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 /rɪˈvɜːs/ (rih-VURS).