How to Pronounce “sovereign”

American (US)

/ˈsɑv(ə)ɹɪn/

British (UK)

/ˈsɒv.ɹɪn/

adjective — Exercising power of rule.

Example: sovereign nation.

Where the stress falls. “sovereign” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˈsɑv(ə)ɹɪn/ 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. /ˈsɑv(ə)ɹɪn/ 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 "sovereign" mean?

sovereign (adjective): Exercising power of rule. For example — sovereign nation.

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

American English: /ˈsɑv(ə)ɹɪn/. British English: /ˈsɒv.ɹɪn/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "sovereign"?

/ˈsɑv(ə)ɹɪn/ in American English, /ˈsɒv.ɹɪn/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "sovereign"?

“sovereign” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˈsɑv(ə)ɹɪn/ 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.