How to pronounce starkness
Say it like STARK-nus. Starkness has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (STARK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce starkness. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- STARK
- nus
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Starkness pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- STARKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- nusKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of starkness
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: STAHK-nus.
What does starkness mean?
- The state or quality of being stark.
- The result or product of being stark.
Where does starkness come from?
From Middle English starknes, starkenes, starkenesse, equivalent to stark + -ness.
Words that rhyme with starkness
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of starkness.
Questions about saying starkness
How do you pronounce starkness?
Say STARK-nus. The American pronunciation is /ˈstɑrknəs/. In British English it is /ˈstɑːknəs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in starkness?
Starkness has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (STARK). Broken into parts: STARK · nus.
Is starkness 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 /ˈstɑːknəs/ (STAHK-nus).