How to Pronounce “governance”

American (US)

/ˈɡʌvəɹnəns/

British (UK)

/ˈɡʌvənəns/

noun — The process, or the power, of governing; government or administration.

The final e is silent. The transcription /ˈɡʌvəɹnəns/ ends on a consonant sound, so the written e at the end of “governance” is not pronounced.

Where the stress falls. “governance” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˈɡʌvəɹnəns/ 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. /ˈɡʌvəɹnəns/ 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 "governance" mean?

governance (noun): The process, or the power, of governing; government or administration.

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

American English: /ˈɡʌvəɹnəns/. British English: /ˈɡʌvənəns/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "governance"?

/ˈɡʌvəɹnəns/ in American English, /ˈɡʌvənəns/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "governance"?

“governance” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˈɡʌvəɹnəns/ 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.