How to Pronounce “fervent”

American (US)

/ˈfɜɹvənt/

British (UK)

/ˈfɜːv(ə)nt/

adjective — Very hot; burning, scorching; also, glowing with heat.

Where the stress falls. “fervent” has 2 syllables, and the transcription /ˈfɜɹvənt/ 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. /ˈfɜɹvənt/ 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 "fervent" mean?

fervent (adjective): Very hot; burning, scorching; also, glowing with heat.

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

American English: /ˈfɜɹvənt/. British English: /ˈfɜːv(ə)nt/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "fervent"?

/ˈfɜɹvənt/ in American English, /ˈfɜːv(ə)nt/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "fervent"?

“fervent” has 2 syllables, and the transcription /ˈfɜɹvənt/ 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.