How to pronounce "reward"

reward

Sports & Recreation
American
/rɪˈwɔrd/

Syllable Breakdown

re ward

How natives say reward

British
/rɪˈwɔːd/

Syllable Breakdown

re ward

How natives say reward

Pronunciation Guide In American

Pronunciation Steps

  • Begin with the 'r' sound by smiling slightly and curling your tongue.

  • Next, say 'i' as in 'sit'.

  • Finally, pronounce 'ward' with emphasis, rounding your lips for 'w', and blend smoothly into the 'ɔ' sound.

Common Mistakes

  • Mispronouncing as 're-ward' with emphasis on the first syllable.

  • Forgetting to round lips for 'w'.

  • Not stressing the second syllable.

Pronunciation Guide In British

Pronunciation Steps

  • Start with the 'r' sound, similar to the American version.

  • Move to a shorter and sharper 'i' sound as in 'bit'.

  • Emphasize 'ward', but elongate the 'ɔː' sound and blend into 'd'.

common mistakes

  • Same as American

  • Same as American

  • Same as American

FAQ

Why does 'reward' stress the second syllable?

The stress is on the second syllable due to typical pronunciation patterns.

How to remember the 'r' sound?

Curl your tongue back but don't touch the roof of your mouth.

How to ensure I say the 'w' clearly?

Purse your lips as if you are about to whistle.

Definition

reward

A thing given in recognition of service or achievement.

Word Family

award

/əˈwɔrd/

noun

A prize or honor

Example: She won an award.

rewarding

/rɪˈwɔrdɪŋ/

adjective

Providing satisfaction

Example: Teaching is rewarding.

rewarded

/rɪˈwɔrdɪd/

verb

Past tense of reward

Example: He was rewarded for his work.

Key Pronunciation Differences

'Reward' vs. 'award'

- 'Reward' starts with 'r', 'award' starts with 'ə'.

'Reward' vs. 'rewarding'

- 'Reward' is shorter.

'Reward' vs. 'rewarded'

- The 'ed' ending in 'rewarded' adds an extra syllable.

Pro Tips

Practice with Mirrors

Use a mirror to see your mouth as you pronounce 'reward'.

Slow it Down

Start slowly to ensure each sound is correct, then speed up.

Nearby Words

Test Your Pronunciation On Words That Have Sound Similarities With Reward

adventure

/ədˈvɛntʃər/

amateur

/ˈæm.ə.tʃɚ/

appeal

/əˈpil/

appreciate

/əˈpriʃiˌeɪt/

athlete

/ˈæθ.liːt/

ball

/bɔl/

basin

/ˈbeɪ.sən/

basket

/ˈbæskɪt/

Other Categories

Test Your Pronunciation On Words Within Other Categories

adjoin

abroad

ability

agenda