How to pronounce “applause”
Applause is pronounced /əˈplɔːz/. It has 2 syllables, and the beat falls on the second one — plɔːz. Below: the syllable split, native audio in both accents, the mistake people actually make with this word, and every individual sound in it explained.
Syllables and stress
Split it into 2 beats. The highlighted syllable is the strong one: say it louder, longer and a touch higher in pitch, and let the others fall away. English is a stress-timed language, so getting plɔːz in the right place matters more to a listener than getting every vowel perfect.
Stress pattern oO — capital letters mark the stressed beats.
“applause” sound by sound
“applause” is built out of 5 sounds. Say each one on its own first, slowly, then run them together at speed. Every sound links to a full guide with mouth position, the mistake learners make with it, and other words that use it.
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əDo almost nothing: leave the tongue in its neutral resting position, mouth slightly open, and make the shortest, weakest possible vowel.
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pPress both lips together, build up air behind them, then release with a puff of air (aspiration) when the sound starts a stressed syllable.
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lTouch the tongue tip to the ridge behind the upper teeth and let the voiced air flow around the sides of the tongue.
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ɔːTongue low and back like /ɑː/, but round the lips and push them forward slightly; the sound is long and rounded.
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zExactly the /s/ tongue position with voicing added, so the airflow buzzes.
Silent letters in “applause”
Letters you write but never say — this is the single biggest reason the word trips people up:
- eThe letter “e”Silent final “e” (it lengthens the vowel instead) — write it, but do not let it reach your mouth.
Words that rhyme with “applause”
Same ending sound from the stressed vowel on — a good way to hear whether you have the vowel right:
Minimal pairs — words one sound away from “applause”
Each of these differs from “applause” by exactly one sound. If you can say both of a pair and hear the difference, that sound is under control:
Questions people ask about “applause”
- How do you pronounce “applause”?
- “applause” is pronounced /əˈplɔːz/, with the stress on the second syllable (plɔːz). Press the US or UK button above to hear it spoken.
- How many syllables are in “applause”?
- “applause” has 2 syllables: ə · plɔːz. The stress pattern is oO.
- Does “applause” have any silent letters?
- Yes — silent final “e” (it lengthens the vowel instead).
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