How to Pronounce “occur”
Free audio in American, British, and Australian English.
▶ Hear it pronouncedIPA Transcription
- American (US)
- /əˈkɝ/
- British (UK)
- /əˈkɜː/
- Australian (AU)
- /əˈkɜː/
What “occur” means
verb — To happen or take place.
Example: The liftoff will occur in exactly twelve seconds.
Pronunciation Notes
Where the stress falls. “occur” has 2 syllables, and the transcription /əˈkɝ/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the second one — so the second syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.
An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /əˈkɝ/ 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "occur" mean?
occur (verb): To happen or take place. For example — The liftoff will occur in exactly twelve seconds.
How do you pronounce "occur" in American vs British English?
American English: /əˈkɝ/. British English: /əˈkɜː/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.
What is the IPA transcription of "occur"?
/əˈkɝ/ in American English, /əˈkɜː/ in British English, /əˈkɜː/ in Australian English.
Which syllable is stressed in "occur"?
“occur” has 2 syllables, and the transcription /əˈkɝ/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the second one — so the second syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.
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