How to pronounce virtuous
Say it like VUR-choo-us. Virtuous has three 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 virtuous. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- VUR
- choo
- us
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Virtuous 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.
- chooKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "oo" in food.
- usKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of virtuous
- American English uses 3 syllables and British English 2.
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: VUR-choors.
What does virtuous mean?
- Full of virtue; having excellent moral character.“Successful communities need strong, selfless leaders and a virtuous people.”
Where does virtuous come from?
From Middle English vertuous, borrowed from Anglo-Norman vertuous, vertous, ultimately from Late Latin virtuōsus, from Latin virtūs.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying virtuous
How do you pronounce virtuous?
Say VUR-choo-us. The American pronunciation is /ˈvɝtʃuəs/. In British English it is /ˈvɜːtʃʊəs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in virtuous?
Virtuous has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (VUR). Broken into parts: VUR · choo · us.
Is virtuous pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. American English uses 3 syllables and British English 2. The British form is /ˈvɜːtʃʊəs/ (VUR-choors).