How to pronounce versus
Say it like VUR-sus. Versus has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (VUR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce versus. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- VUR
- sus
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Versus pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- VURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- susKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of versus
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: VUR-sus.
What does versus mean?
- Against; in opposition to.“It is the Packers versus the Steelers in the Super Bowl.”
- Compared with, as opposed to.
- Bringing a legal action against, as used in the title of a court case in which the first party indicates the plaintiff (or appellant or the like), and the second indicates the defendant (or respondent or the like).“Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kans.”
- To face in competition
- To fight
Where does versus come from?
From Middle English versus, borrowed from Latin versus (“facing”), past participle of vertere (“to turn, change, overthrow, destroy”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying versus
How do you pronounce versus?
Say VUR-sus. The American pronunciation is /ˈvɝsəs/. In British English it is /ˈvɜːsəs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in versus?
Versus has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (VUR). Broken into parts: VUR · sus.
Is versus 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 /ˈvɜːsəs/ (VUR-sus).