How to Pronounce Versus

To pronounce "versus", say VERS-us — 2 syllables, IPA /ˈvɜːsəs/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

versus

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

Practice: Record & Compare

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Syllables

Letters

/ˈvɜːsəs/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “versus”

"versus" has 2 syllables: vers-us. It rhymes with persis and intersperses, if that helps it stick.

What does versus mean?

preposition

Against; in opposition to.
“It is the Packers versus the Steelers in the Super Bowl.”
Compared with, as opposed to.

Synonyms

v v.vs vs.

Hear “versus” in real sentences

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

Words that rhyme with versus

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

persis intersperses converses reimburses curses nurses reverses purses hearses rehearses

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "versus"?▾

"Versus" has 2 syllables: vers · us.

What is the IPA transcription of "versus"?▾

The IPA transcription of "versus" is /ˈvɜːsəs/.

What does "versus" mean?▾

Versus: Against; in opposition to.

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