How to Pronounce Fear

To pronounce "fear", say FEAR — one syllable, IPA /fɪə/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

fear

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

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Syllable

Letters

/fɪə/

IPA

"fear" is a single-syllable word — say it in one clean beat. It rhymes with austere and sneer, if that helps it stick.

Sounds exactly like: fier — easy to mix up when writing.

noun

A strong, uncontrollable, unpleasant emotion or feeling caused by actual or perceived danger or threat.
“He was struck by fear on seeing the snake.”
A phobia, a sense of fear induced by something or someone.
“Not everybody has the same fears. I have a fear of ants.”

verb

To feel fear about (something or someone); to be afraid of; to consider or expect with alarm.
“I fear the worst will happen.”
To feel fear (about something).
“Never fear; help is always near.”

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

How many syllables are in "fear"?▾

"Fear" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "fear"?▾

The IPA transcription of "fear" is /fɪə/.

What does "fear" mean?▾

Fear: A strong, uncontrollable, unpleasant emotion or feeling caused by actual or perceived danger or threat.

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