How to pronounce usurp
Say it like yoo-SURP. Usurp has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SURP).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce usurp. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- yoo
- SURP
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Usurp pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- yooKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "oo" in food.
- SURPSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
American vs British pronunciation of usurp
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: yoo-SURP.
What does usurp mean?
- To seize and hold or use (powers, an office, a coat of arms, a right or copyright, etc) from another, without right (usually by illegitimate means).
- To take the place of someone or something else; to supplant.
Where does usurp come from?
From Middle English usurpen, from Old French usurper, from Latin ūsūrpō.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with usurp
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of usurp.
Questions about saying usurp
How do you pronounce usurp?
Say yoo-SURP. The American pronunciation is /juˈsɝp/. In British English it is /juːˈsɜːp/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in usurp?
Usurp has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SURP). Broken into parts: yoo · SURP.
Is usurp 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 /juːˈsɜːp/ (yoo-SURP).