How to Pronounce “occurrence”

American (US)

/əˈkɜɹ.əns/

British (UK)

/əˈkʌɹ.əns/

noun — An actual instance when a situation occurs; an event or happening.

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

Where the stress falls. “occurrence” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /əˈkɜɹ.əns/ 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. /əˈkɜɹ.əns/ 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 "occurrence" mean?

occurrence (noun): An actual instance when a situation occurs; an event or happening.

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

American English: /əˈkɜɹ.əns/. British English: /əˈkʌɹ.əns/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "occurrence"?

/əˈkɜɹ.əns/ in American English, /əˈkʌɹ.əns/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "occurrence"?

“occurrence” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /əˈkɜɹ.əns/ 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.