How to pronounce unnerve
Say it like uh-NURV. Unnerve has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (NURV).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce unnerve. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- uh
- NURV
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Unnerve pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- NURVSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
American vs British pronunciation of unnerve
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: uh-NURV.
What does unnerve mean?
- To deprive of nerve, force, or strength; to weaken; to enfeeble. Compare enervate.“to unnerve the arm”
- To make somebody nervous, upset, alarm, shake the resolve of.“I was greatly unnerved by the news that my attacker was back in the country.”
Where does unnerve come from?
From un- + nerve.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with unnerve
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of unnerve.
Questions about saying unnerve
How do you pronounce unnerve?
Say uh-NURV. The American pronunciation is /əˈnɝv/. In British English it is /əˈnɜːv/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in unnerve?
Unnerve has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (NURV). Broken into parts: uh · NURV.
Is unnerve 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 /əˈnɜːv/ (uh-NURV).