How to pronounce unawares
Say it like uhn-uh-WAIRZ. Unawares has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (WAIRZ).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce unawares. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- uhn
- uh
- WAIRZ
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Unawares pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- uhnGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- WAIRZSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
American vs British pronunciation of unawares
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: uhn-uh-WAIRZ.
What does unawares mean?
- Unexpectedly or by surprise.“Your question catches/takes me unawares, I don't know the answer right now...”
- Inadvertently.“I'm afraid I've taken the wrong coat, unawares.”
- Without plan or forethought.
Where does unawares come from?
From unaware + -s (adverbial suffix).
Words that rhyme with unawares
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of unawares.
Questions about saying unawares
How do you pronounce unawares?
Say uhn-uh-WAIRZ. The American pronunciation is /ˌʌnəˈwɛrz/. In British English it is /ˌʌnəˈwɛəz/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in unawares?
Unawares has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (WAIRZ). Broken into parts: uhn · uh · WAIRZ.
Is unawares 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 /ˌʌnəˈwɛəz/ (uhn-uh-WAIRZ).