How to pronounce semibreve
Say it like SEM-ih-breev. Semibreve has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SEM).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce semibreve. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SEM
- ih
- breev
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Semibreve pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SEMSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- ihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- breevKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of semibreve
American and British speakers say semibreve in essentially the same way: /ˈsɛmɪbriv/ in the US and /ˈsɛmɪbriv/ in the UK.
British respelling: SEM-ih-breev.
What does semibreve mean?
- A musical note four beats long in 4/4 time; a whole note (US)
Where does semibreve come from?
From Italian semibreve, ultimately from Latin semi- (“half”) and Latin brevis (“short”).
Questions about saying semibreve
How do you pronounce semibreve?
Say SEM-ih-breev. The American pronunciation is /ˈsɛmɪbriv/. In British English it is /ˈsɛmɪbriv/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in semibreve?
Semibreve has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SEM). Broken into parts: SEM · ih · breev.
Do Americans and Brits say semibreve the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈsɛmɪbriv/ and the British form is /ˈsɛmɪbriv/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.