How to Pronounce “cursory”

American (US)

/ˈkɝː.sə.ɹi/

British (UK)

/ˈkɜː.sə.ɹi/

adjective — Hasty or superficial.

Example: cursory glance.

Where the stress falls. “cursory” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˈkɝː.sə.ɹi/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the first one — so the first syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /ˈkɝː.sə.ɹi/ contains a schwa /ə/ — the short, neutral “uh” that English unstressed syllables collapse into. Saying /ə/ there, instead of the vowel the spelling suggests, is most of what makes the word sound native.

What does "cursory" mean?

cursory (adjective): Hasty or superficial. For example — cursory glance.

How do you pronounce "cursory" in American vs British English?

American English: /ˈkɝː.sə.ɹi/. British English: /ˈkɜː.sə.ɹi/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "cursory"?

/ˈkɝː.sə.ɹi/ in American English, /ˈkɜː.sə.ɹi/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "cursory"?

“cursory” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˈkɝː.sə.ɹi/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the first one — so the first syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.