2 syllables: A, mos. Stress on A.
AY-muhs
/ˈeɪməs/
Amos is pronounced AY-muhs (/ˈeɪməs/). It has two syllables (A-mos), with the stress on "A". Amos is a masculine given name of biblical origin, used as a proper noun. It also appears as a surname in some contexts. The name is derived from Hebrew and traditionally carries a sense of being borne by an individual of strength or burden-bearing, often associated with prophetic or steadfast connotations. In modern usage, it’s spoken with a modest, two-syllable rhythm in English contexts.
nounAmos is a masculine given name of biblical origin, used as a proper noun. It also appears as a surname in some contexts. The name is derived from Hebrew and traditionally carries a sense of being borne by an individual of strength or burden-bearing, often associated with prophetic or steadfast connotations. In modern usage, it’s spoken with a modest, two-syllable rhythm in English contexts.
"- Amos spoke with quiet conviction during the meeting."
"- The project was spearheaded by Amos, whose leadership inspired the team."
"- In many places, Amos is used as a family name as well as a first name."
Pronounce as AM-os with primary stress on the first syllable. IPA: US/UK/AU: /ˈeɪ.mɒs/. Start with the diphthong /eɪ/ as in 'day', then /m/ followed by the short /ɒ/ (like 'cot' in British English) and a final /s/. The two syllables sit evenly, with a brief, unstressed second syllable synergy.
Two common errors: misplacing stress (saying /ˈæ.mɒs/ or /ˈeɪ.məz/) and lengthening the second syllable (e.g., /ˈeɪ.mɔːs/). Correct by keeping primary stress on /ˈeɪ/ and using a short, closed /ɒ/ followed by /s/. Another pitfall is turning the second syllable into a schwa or a rushed vowel; aim for a crisp /ɒs/.
In General American, /ˈeɪ.mɑːs/ with /ɒ/ closer to /ɑ/; rhoticity affects linking in connected speech but not the core vowels. UK English often uses /ˈeɪ.mɒs/ with a tighter /ɒ/ and less rhotic influence; Australian English tends to be /ˈeɪ.mɒs/ with a more centralized or rounded /ɒ/ and clearer consonants. Overall, the first syllable diphthong remains /eɪ/, while the second syllable vowel quality shifts slightly by vowel system and stress placement.
The difficulty centers on the short, clipped second syllable /ɒs/ for listeners unfamiliar with English vowel distinctions, especially when connected speech reduces vowels. The diphthong /eɪ/ followed by a concise /mɒs/ requires precise mouth positioning: open jaw for /eɪ/ while maintaining a rounded or unrounded /ɒ/ depending on accent. Also, rapid speech can blur the boundary between /ˈeɪ/ and /mɒs/; practice helps segment the syllables clearly.
Yes—keep the first syllable clearly stressed as /ˈeɪ/ and avoid turning the second syllable into a prolonged vowel like /eɪ/ or a heavy /z/; end with a crisply enunciated /s/. The name’s biblical lineage can influence pitch and cadence in formal or ceremonial contexts, so you’ll often hear a slightly more measured, even pronunciation in such settings.
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Amos originates from the Hebrew name Amos (אַמּוֹס), meaning “burden-bearing” or “carrying.” It appears in the Hebrew Bible as one of the twelve minor prophets, traditionally associated with themes of justice and social admonition. The etymology traces to the Hebrew root ’āmās (אמצ) connected with bearing, load, or burden, though scholarly transliterations vary. The name spread into Aramaic and later Greek as Ἀμώς (Amós) in the Septuagint, then into Latin as Amos. In Christian and Jewish traditions, the prophet Amos reinforced the name’s enduring presence in religious and cultural contexts. Over centuries, Amos entered English usage via religious texts and later general naming, retaining a two-syllable cadence and a straightforward vowel structure. In modern times, it is pronounced consistently with a short first syllable and a schwa-like second syllable in many dialects, though regional phonetics may influence vowel quality and final consonant clarity. The first known use in English is documented in translations of biblical texts, with subsequent literary and genealogical records sustaining its presence across centuries. The name’s simplicity and biblical resonance contribute to its ongoing, cross-cultural adaptability while maintaining a distinctly classic, traditional sound.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Amos" and can often be used interchangeably.
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Words that rhyme with "Amos"
-mos sounds
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