How do you pronounce "severe"?

In American English: /səˈvɪr/ (suh-VIR). In British English: /səvˈɪə/ (suhv-I-uh). In Canadian English: /səˈvɪr/ (suh-VIR). In Australian English: /sɪvˈiə/ (siv-EE-uh).

Is "severe" pronounced differently in American and British English?

Yes. In American English it's pronounced /səˈvɪr/ (suh-VIR), while in British English it's /səvˈɪə/ (suhv-I-uh).

How to Pronounce "severe"

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severe

regional

/səˈvɪr/

suh-VIR

Syllable Breakdown

səse·vɪrvere

Source

90%confidence📘 CMU Pronouncing Dictionary v0.7b

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Last updated: 2026-02-14