How to pronounce "improvise"

improvise

Noun
American
/ˈɪmprəˌvaɪz/

Syllable Breakdown

im pro vise

How natives say improvise

British
/ˈɪmprəvaɪz/

Syllable Breakdown

im pro vise

How natives say improvise

Pronunciation Guide In American

Pronunciation Steps

  • Start with the short 'ih' sound like in 'bit', then 'm' sound.

  • Next, say 'pruh' with a short 'u' sound.

  • Finally, end with 'vaiz' with a long 'i' sound like in 'eye'.

Common Mistakes

  • im-pro-vice

  • eem-pro-vise

  • im-pruv-ize

Pronunciation Guide In British

Pronunciation Steps

  • Step 1 for BrE

  • Step 2 for BrE

  • Step 3 for BrE

common mistakes

  • same as American

  • same as American

  • same as American

FAQ

Why is 'impro-' not stressed?

In words with three syllables, like 'im-pro-vise', the primary stress is typically on the first syllable.

Is 'vise' pronounced like 'wise'?

Yes, the 'vise' ending is pronounced like 'wise' with a long 'i' sound.

Do I need to pronounce the 'r' in 'pro'?

Yes, in American English, 'r' in 'pro' is pronounced clearly. In British English, it is less pronounced.

Definition

improvise

To create or perform without preparation.

Word Family

improvisation

/ˌɪmprəˌvaɪˈzeɪʃən/

noun

The act of improvising.

Example: She is good at improvisation.

improviser

/ˈɪmprəˌvaɪzər/

noun

A person who improvises.

Example: He is an experienced improviser.

unimprovised

/ˌʌnˈɪmprəˌvaɪzd/

adjective

Not made up on the spot.

Example: The lecture was unimprovised.

Key Pronunciation Differences

'tion' in 'improvisation' becomes /ʃən/.

'er' in 'improviser' sounds like /ər/.

The prefix 'un' in 'unimprovised' adds an extra syllable.

Pro Tips

Understanding Stress

Start with stressing the first syllable 'im'. It helps set the rhythm for the rest of the word.

Master the 'vise'

Practice saying 'vise' like 'wise'. It can help in mastering the ending of the word.

Nearby Words

Test Your Pronunciation On Words That Have Sound Similarities With Improvise

ability

/əˈbɪləti/

accessory

/əkˈsɛsəri/

adapt

/əˈdæpt/

adjust

/əˈdʒʌst/

advance

/ədˈvæns/

also

/ˈɔl.soʊ/

alter

/ˈɔltər/

apparatus

/ˌæp.əˈɹeɪ.təs/

Other Categories

Test Your Pronunciation On Words Within Other Categories

adjoin

abroad

agenda