4 syllables: am, bass, a, dors. Stress on bass.
am-BAS-uh-durz
/æˈmbæsədɚz/
ambassadors is pronounced am-BAS-uh-durz (/æˈmbæsədɚz/). It has four syllables (am-bass-a-dors), with the stress on "bass". Ambassadors are official representatives who promote and defend the interests of a country or organization abroad. The term also denotes individuals acting in such a capacity, often coordinating diplomacy, cultural exchange, and policy advocacy. In use, it commonly refers to people tasked with shaping public perception and strengthening international relations. The plural form emphasizes multiple representatives across missions or events.
Ambassadors are official representatives who promote and defend the interests of a country or organization abroad. The term also denotes individuals acting in such a capacity, often coordinating diplomacy, cultural exchange, and policy advocacy. In use, it commonly refers to people tasked with shaping public perception and strengthening international relations. The plural form emphasizes multiple representatives across missions or events.
"The ambassadors met to discuss trade agreements and regional security."
"Cultural ambassadors toured the country to showcase local arts."
"Two ambassadors were assigned to boost the alliance’s educational exchange programs."
US pronunciation: /ˌæmˈbæs.ə.dɔrz/; UK/AU: /ˌæmˈbæs.ə.dɔːz/. Primary stress falls on the second syllable: am-BAS-sa-dors. The sequence /æ/ (as in cat) in the first and third syllables, followed by a schwa in the second unstressed syllable, and a voiced dental/velar blend for final /dɔrz/. Tip: keep the final /z/ voiced, not a /s/ or /dz/ cluster. Audio references: listen to native speakers on reputable dictionaries.
Common errors: 1) Misplacing stress, saying am-BAS-sa-dors with emphasis on the first or last syllable. Correction: maintain primary stress on the second syllable: am-BAS-sa-dors. 2) Final -ors pronounced as /-ors/ instead of /-ɔːz/ or /-ɔrz/. Correction: make the final sound a voiced /z/ after a short o, not a hard /s/. 3) Vowel drift in the first syllable: ensure /æ/ as in cat, not /eɪ/ or /ə/. Practice with minimal pairs and listen-and-repeat drills to stabilize the /æ/.
US: /ˌæmˈbæs.ə.dɔrz/ with rhotic /r/ in American English and clear /ɜː/ not present; final /z/. UK/AU: /ˌæmˈbæs.ə.dɔːz/ with non-rhotic accent typically, longer /ɔː/ in the final syllable, and a voiced /z/ similar to US. Vowel duration and quality, and the presence of linking /r/ or non-rhoticity affect the flow. The middle schwa remains, but pace and vowel length can shift subtly depending on the speaker’s regional habits.
Two main challenges: the stress pattern on am-BAS-sa-dors requires a crisp secondary syllable while maintaining a quick, light first syllable; and the final cluster /dɔrz/ can blur into /dɔːz/ or /dɔːz/ in non-rhotic accents. The inter-syllabic rhythm combines a strong syllable with a quicker preceding one, and the /z/ at the end must be clearly voiced to avoid it sounding like /s/. Awareness of final /z/ voicing, and keeping the schwa stable, helps clarity.
In careful speech, the first two syllables am-BAS are typically enunciated, with the strong stress on BAS. However, in fast, casual speech some speakers may reduce or blur the first syllable slightly, but not to the point of removing the /æ/ or the /m/ sound. In careful pronunciation you should retain an audible /æ/ in the first vowel and keep the /m/ rounded, so you preserve the word’s recognizability, especially in media or formal contexts.
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Ambassador comes from the Old French ambasseador, borrowed from Medieval Latin ambasceptor, which itself traces to late Latin ambit-sceptor, ultimately from Latin ambire “to go around” + capere “to take.” The word entered English in the 14th century with the sense of a runner or envoy who is sent on behalf of a sovereign to negotiate and report back. Over time, the spelling consolidated to ambassador, and its plural ambassadors emerged with standard English pluralization. The core idea remained: a person who travels on behalf of a state or organization to communicate, negotiate, or present messages. The term’s prestige relates to its formal diplomatic function, often associated with official duties, ceremonial roles, and strategic influence. In modern usage, ambassadors can be cultural, brand, or political, expanding beyond strict governmental diplomacy while retaining the core sense of authorized representation and mission.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "ambassadors" and can often be used interchangeably.
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Words that rhyme with "ambassadors"
-ors sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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