2 syllables: Ar, ras. Stress on Ar.
AR-uhs
/ˈæɹəs/
Arras is pronounced AR-uhs (/ˈæɹəs/). It has two syllables (Ar-ras), with the stress on "Ar". Arras is a plural noun referring to tapestries or ornamental textiles, historically used on walls or hung as decoration in European interiors. It can also denote a city in northern France with medieval heritage. The term carries a sense of fabricwork and art, and in some contexts appears in discussions of historical interiors or geography.
nounArras is a plural noun referring to tapestries or ornamental textiles, historically used on walls or hung as decoration in European interiors. It can also denote a city in northern France with medieval heritage. The term carries a sense of fabricwork and art, and in some contexts appears in discussions of historical interiors or geography.
"The banquet hall was adorned with rich Arras, its woven patterns catching the candlelight."
"She studied the Arras tapestries in the museum, marveling at their intricate motifs."
"Arras flourished as a medieval textile center, influencing fashion across courts."
Arras is pronounced as ARR-uhs with the primary stress on the first syllable. IPA: US/UK/AU: /ˈærəs/. Start with a short, open front vowel like ‘cat’, then an unaspirated r, and finish with a light schwa or reduced 'uh' sound. Keep the second syllable unstressed and quick. Audio reference: you can compare with dictionary pronunciations on Cambridge/Oxford or Forvo for native speaker voices, ensuring the 'a' in the second syllable is reduced.
Common errors: (1) Misplacing the stress on the second syllable, saying AR-ras with heavy emphasis on the second part; (2) lengthening the vowel in the first syllable to /æː/ or /ɛː/ instead of /æ/; (3) over-pronouncing the final 's' in plural or making it sound like a harsher /z/. Correction tips: keep the first syllable short and crisp /ˈær-əs/, relax the jaw for the second syllable, and naturally reduce the final sound to a light /s/ or /z/ depending on following word.
Across accents: US/UK share /ˈærəs/ with the first syllable stressed; in some British dialects the 'r' is less rhotic, but Arras remains with a clear /r/ in many accents. Australian speakers also render /ˈærəs/ with a relaxed final 's' and a non-rhotic approach in some regions. The main differences lie in rhoticity and the degree of vowel reduction in the second syllable – US generally keeps a stronger /ə/ reduction, UK varies by region, AU often leans toward a schwa-like /ə/ in fluent speech.
The difficulty stems from the contrast between a crisp initial /æ/ vowel in the first syllable and the reduced, unstressed second syllable. Non-native English speakers may overemphasize or mispronounce the second syllable, producing /ˈæræz/ or /ˈærəsˈ/. Practicing with minimal pairs helps: focus on a short /æ/ in the first, followed by a quick, soft schwa in the second. Also, watch for final s’ voicing depending on surrounding sounds.
In standard English usage, Arras has primary stress on the first syllable: /ˈærəs/. The second syllable remains unstressed and reduced, often a quick 'uh' sound. You’ll hear the second syllable shortened in fluent speech, which helps maintain the rhythm of two-syllable words. When quoting formal titles or the city name, ensure the first syllable retains objective emphasis while the second remains light.
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Arras originates from the Old French word arras, likely derived from the city of Arras in northern France, which was renowned for its sophisticated tapestry workshops during the medieval period. The term entered English usage to describe the thick, decorative woolen or silk fabrics used as wall hangings and coverings, often associated with luxury interiors. The word’s early senses emphasized the material itself rather than the place, before it broadened to include the city’s stylistic and artisanal associations. In textile history, Arras tapestries are part of a broader category of costly, woven textiles that adorned palaces and churches, contributing to the cultural cachet of late medieval and Renaissance interiors. First known usage in English dates to the late Middle Ages, with references appearing in trade documents and inventories describing tapestries from Arras or of Arras type. Over centuries, Arras became a generic term for richly woven textiles, while the specific regional identity persisted in art and historical discourse. Modern usage often preserves the geographical reference, especially in historical or museum contexts, while occasionally appearing in literary descriptions to evoke opulence and heritage.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Arras" and can often be used interchangeably.
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Words that rhyme with "Arras"
-me) sounds
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