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How to pronounce Sorry

How to Pronounce "Sorry"

Definition: How to say "Sorry" and use it in a sentence

Phonetic Spelling:

ˈsɒri / Pronounced as SAW-ree

How to say "Sorry" correctly

Here are some definitions of Sorry.

  • Feeling sad, sympathetic, or disappointed because something unpleasant has happened or been done
  • Feeling regret or penitence
  • Used to express regret or sorrow
  • Distressing or disastrous
  • Inferior in quality or performance

Use Sorry correctly with the following examples:

  • I’m sorry for your loss.
  • She felt sorry for the stray puppy and decided to adopt it.
  • He said sorry for being late to the meeting.
  • The sorry state of the economy was evident in the high unemployment rates.
  • I’m sorry, but this product does not meet our standards.

Words close in sound to Sorry:

Story, Sorely, Starry, Sari, Soar, Sorrow, Sorry, Scary, Stir, Sari,

Synonyms for Sorry

Apologetic, Regretful, Contrite, Penitent, Remorseful, Repentant, Apologetically, Regretfully, Contritely, Penitently,

Antonyms for Sorry

Unapologetic, Unrepentant, Proud, Defiant, Unremorseful, Impenitent, Unashamed, Unconcerned, Unregretful, Unapologetically,

Review Sorry
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Steps to improve your pronunciation

A couple of techniques that should help you perfect your pronunciation of ‘Sorry‘:

  • Break down ‘Sorry’ into each individual vowel, speak it out loud and exaggerate the sounds until you can consistently repeat it without making a mistake.
  • Try to record yourself saying ‘Sorry‘ in a full sentence then listen back. You’ll be able to find all of your mistakes very easily.
  • Look up more videos on Youtube on how to pronounce ‘Sorry‘ accurately.
  • Focus on one accent: mixing multiple accents could confuse you, especially for beginners. So pick one accent (US or UK), perhaps American and master that!


More tips\techniques to enhance your English pronunciation skills, we recommend embrace the following strategies:

Practicing contraction and abbreviation in speech is common in the U.S. and is seen as a regular element of casual conversation. For instance, changing “what are you going to do this weekend” to “what you gonna do this weekend” is commonplace. Look into terms like ‘gonna’ and ‘wanna’ for more insights.

Enhancing your intonation is vital for English fluency. The patterns of stress, rhythm, and pitch in English are key in communicating your intended message and emotions. A plethora of resources and videos on Youtube can help you in understanding these elements to pronounce ‘Sorry’.

Engage with multiple Youtube channels dedicated to English learning. These platforms offer no-cost resources that tackle important language skills. Pronounce.tv is an additional superb source for improving your pronunciation.

Imitating native speakers can significantly improve your pronunciation. Listen to how they articulate ‘Sorry’ and strive to replicate the tone, speed, and rhythm in your speech, making it habitual.

Incorporate phonetic exercises into your daily practice. Getting to know and practicing the phonetic sounds of English can help you improve your pronunciation of ‘Sorry’.

Frequently practice English in your daily conversations. The more you speak, the more adept you’ll become with the nuances of pronunciation and accent, improving your overall communication skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a difference in pronunciation of sorry between British and American English?

Yes, there is a difference in pronunciation of the word “sorry” between British and American English. In British English, the pronunciation of “sorry” is typically /ˈsɒr.i/ with the stress on the first syllable. The vowel sound in the first syllable is similar to the “o” in “saw” or “hot.” In American English, the pronunciation of “sorry” is usually /ˈsɑːr.i/ with the stress also on the first syllable. The vowel sound in the first syllable is similar to the “a” in “father” or “car.” It’s important to note that pronunciation can vary within each country based on regional accents and dialects. However, the general pattern described above is commonly followed in standard British and American English.

Is it pronounced sorry or sorry?

The correct pronunciation of the word “sorry” is /ˈsɒri/ in British English and /ˈsɑːri/ in American English. The emphasis is typically placed on the first syllable, with a short “o” sound. It is important to note that the pronunciation may vary slightly depending on regional accents and dialects. Overall, the most widely accepted pronunciation is with a short “o” sound in the first syllable.

How do Canadians say sorry?

Canadians are known for their polite and friendly nature, and one of the most iconic Canadian traits is their frequent use of the word “sorry.” In Canada, the pronunciation of “sorry” is distinct from how it is pronounced in other English-speaking countries, such as the United States. Canadians typically pronounce “sorry” with the first syllable sounding like “sore” rather than “sari.” The Canadian pronunciation of “sorry” is often described as having a longer “o” sound in the first syllable, making it sound more like “sore-ee” rather than “sah-ree.” This pronunciation gives the word a softer and more apologetic tone, reflecting the polite and considerate nature of Canadian communication. In addition to the pronunciation, Canadians also have a reputation for saying “sorry” more frequently than people from other countries. This cultural tendency to apologize for even minor inconveniences or misunderstandings is seen as a sign of politeness and consideration for others. Overall, the Canadian way of saying “sorry” with its unique pronunciation and frequent use reflects the country’s emphasis on kindness, politeness, and good manners in everyday interactions.

Are there any common mispronunciations of the word sorry?

Yes, there are a few common mispronunciations of the word “sorry.” Some people might pronounce it as “sarry” by dropping the second syllable and blending the “o” and “r” sounds together. Another common mispronunciation is “sore-ee,” where the second syllable is pronounced like the word “sore.” However, the correct pronunciation of “sorry” is “sor-ee,” with the stress on the first syllable and a clear “o” sound in the second syllable. It is important to pronounce words correctly to ensure effective communication and convey professionalism.

How do you pronounce sorry in different accents?

The pronunciation of the word “sorry” can vary slightly depending on the accent or dialect of English being spoken. Here are some common pronunciations of “sorry” in different accents: 1. American English: In American English, “sorry” is typically pronounced as /ˈsɑri/ or /ˈsɔri/, with the emphasis on the first syllable. The vowel sound in the first syllable is often a flat “ah” sound, as in the word “father.” 2. British English: In British English, “sorry” is commonly pronounced as /ˈsɒri/ or /ˈsɒriː/, with a short “o” sound in the first syllable. The emphasis is also on the first syllable. 3. Australian English: In Australian English, “sorry” is often pronounced as /ˈsɒri/ or /ˈsɔri/, similar to British English. The vowel sound in the first syllable may be slightly different, but the emphasis is still on the first syllable. 4. Canadian English: In Canadian English, the pronunciation of “sorry” is similar to American English, with variations depending on the region. It is typically pronounced as /ˈsɑri/ or /ˈsɔri/, with the emphasis on the first syllable. 5. Indian English: In Indian English, the pronunciation of “sorry” may vary based on the region and accent. It is often pronounced as /ˈsɒri/ or /ˈsɑri/, with the emphasis on the first syllable. Overall, the pronunciation of “sorry” can vary slightly in different accents, but the emphasis is usually on the first syllable, and the vowel sounds may differ based on the accent or dialect of English being spoken.

How do British people pronounce sorry?

In British English, the word “sorry” is typically pronounced as “saw-ree” with the emphasis on the first syllable. The “o” sound is pronounced as a short “o” sound, similar to the “o” in the word “hot.” The “r” is often not pronounced very strongly, and the “y” at the end is pronounced as a short “ee” sound. Overall, the pronunciation of “sorry” in British English may sound more like “saw-ree” compared to the American English pronunciation, which may sound more like “sah-ree.” It’s important to note that there can be variations in pronunciation depending on the region within the UK, so you may hear slight differences in how individuals pronounce the word “sorry.”

What is the origin of the word sorry and how does it affect its pronunciation?

The word “sorry” has its origin in Old English, derived from the word “sarig,” which meant distressed or grieved. Over time, the pronunciation of the word has evolved, leading to variations in how it is pronounced in different English-speaking regions. The pronunciation of “sorry” can be affected by various factors, such as regional accents, dialects, and individual speech patterns. In some accents, the pronunciation may sound closer to “sah-ree,” with a clear “ah” sound for the first syllable. In other accents, particularly in British English, the pronunciation may sound more like “saw-ree,” with a longer “aw” sound in the first syllable. It’s important to note that variations in pronunciation are natural and reflect the diversity of the English language. As language continues to evolve, different pronunciations of words like “sorry” may emerge and be considered acceptable within certain contexts or regions. Overall, the origin of the word “sorry” in Old English has influenced its modern pronunciation, but the way it is pronounced can vary based on regional differences and individual speech habits.

Can the pronunciation of sorry change over time or across generations?

Yes, the pronunciation of words can change over time and across different generations due to various factors such as regional dialects, language evolution, and social influences. This phenomenon is known as linguistic drift or sound change. In the case of the word “sorry,” its pronunciation may vary depending on the accent or dialect of the speaker. For example, in some English-speaking regions, the vowel sound in “sorry” may be pronounced as /ɑ/ (as in “father”), while in other regions, it may be pronounced as /ɒ/ (as in “lot”). Additionally, the intonation and stress patterns of the word “sorry” can also differ among speakers. Furthermore, language is constantly evolving, and pronunciation changes can occur gradually over time. Younger generations may adopt new pronunciations or speech patterns influenced by popular culture, social media, or other factors, leading to differences in pronunciation compared to older generations. Overall, while the core pronunciation of the word “sorry” remains consistent, variations in pronunciation can indeed occur over time and across different generations due to the dynamic nature of language.

Are there any regional variations in the pronunciation of sorry?

Yes, there are regional variations in the pronunciation of the word “sorry.” Pronunciation can vary due to factors such as accent, dialect, and regional differences in speech patterns. In general, the pronunciation of “sorry” can differ based on whether it is spoken in American English, British English, Australian English, Canadian English, or other English-speaking regions. In American English, the word “sorry” is typically pronounced with a short “o” sound, similar to “sah-ree.” In British English, the pronunciation may have a longer “o” sound, closer to “saw-ree.” In Australian English, the pronunciation may vary between the two, with some speakers using the American pronunciation and others using the British pronunciation. Additionally, within each of these major English-speaking regions, there can be further variations in pronunciation based on specific accents or dialects. For example, within the United States, the pronunciation of “sorry” may differ between regions such as the South, the Midwest, and the Northeast. It is important to note that these variations in pronunciation are natural and do not indicate incorrect pronunciation. Language is dynamic and diverse, and pronunciation can vary widely based on individual speech patterns and regional influences.

How do Australians pronounce sorry?

In Australia, the word “sorry” is commonly pronounced as “SAH-ree” with the stress on the first syllable. The pronunciation of “sorry” in Australia is similar to the British English pronunciation, with a clear “ah” sound in the first syllable. It is important to note that pronunciation can vary slightly depending on the region within Australia, but the most common pronunciation is with a short “a” sound in the first syllable. When in doubt, it is always best to listen to native speakers or utilize online resources to hear the correct pronunciation.

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