How to pronounce surplice
Say it like SUR-plis. Surplice has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SUR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce surplice. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SUR
- plis
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Surplice pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- plisKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of surplice
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: SUR-plis.
What does surplice mean?
- A liturgical vestment of the Christian Church in the form of a tunic of white linen or cotton material, with wide or moderately wide sleeves, reaching to the hips or knees, usually featuring lace decoration and embroidered bordures.
Where does surplice come from?
Inherited from Middle English surplys, from Old French surpeliz, from Medieval Latin superpelliceum, from Latin super (“over”) and pellis (“fur”).
Questions about saying surplice
How do you pronounce surplice?
Say SUR-plis. The American pronunciation is /ˈsɝplɪs/. In British English it is /ˈsɜːplɪs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in surplice?
Surplice has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SUR). Broken into parts: SUR · plis.
Is surplice 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 /ˈsɜːplɪs/ (SUR-plis).