How to pronounce sternness
Say it like STURN-nus. Sternness has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (STURN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce sternness. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- STURN
- nus
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Sternness pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- STURNSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- nusKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of sternness
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: STURN-nus.
What does sternness mean?
- The state or quality of being stern.
- The result or product of being stern.
Where does sternness come from?
From stern + -ness.
Questions about saying sternness
How do you pronounce sternness?
Say STURN-nus. The American pronunciation is /ˈstɝnnəs/. In British English it is /ˈstɜːnnəs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in sternness?
Sternness has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (STURN). Broken into parts: STURN · nus.
Is sternness 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 /ˈstɜːnnəs/ (STURN-nus).