How to pronounce wayward
Say it like WAY-werd. Wayward has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (WAY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce wayward. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- WAY
- werd
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Wayward pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- WAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- werdKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of wayward
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: WAY-wud.
What does wayward mean?
- Given to a wilful, perverse deviation from the expected norm; tending to stray.
- Obstinate, contrary and unpredictable.
- Not on target.
- Someone, especially a young woman or girl, who is wayward.
Where does wayward come from?
Shortening of away + -ward.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying wayward
How do you pronounce wayward?
Say WAY-werd. The American pronunciation is /ˈweɪwɚd/. In British English it is /ˈweɪwəd/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in wayward?
Wayward has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (WAY). Broken into parts: WAY · werd.
Is wayward 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 /ˈweɪwəd/ (WAY-wud).