2 syllables: Bal, let. Stress on let.
bal-AY
/bæˈleɪ/
Ballet is pronounced bal-AY (/bæˈleɪ/). It has two syllables (Bal-let), with the stress on "let". Ballet is a classical dance form characterized by formalized steps and figures performed with grace, poise, and precision. Traditionally trained in a studio, it emphasizes turnout, line, and nuanced control of movement, often enhanced by music and lighting. As a term, it also denotes the repertoire, style, and technique associated with this refined, highly codified art.
nounBallet is a classical dance form characterized by formalized steps and figures performed with grace, poise, and precision. Traditionally trained in a studio, it emphasizes turnout, line, and nuanced control of movement, often enhanced by music and lighting. As a term, it also denotes the repertoire, style, and technique associated with this refined, highly codified art.
"She trained in ballet from a young age and now dances professionally."
"The company announced a new ballet that features contemporary set design."
"He studied the ballet vocabulary to prepare for the audition."
Pronounce as /ˈbæl.eɪ/ with the stress on the first syllable. The first syllable sounds like “bal” with the short a as in cat, and the second sounds like “ay” as in day, forming a two-syllable word. In audio references, you’ll hear a light, almost seamless glide from /æ/ to /eɪ/. Try saying “BAL” + “AY,” keeping your jaw relaxed and lips neutral at the boundary.
Two common errors: (1) treating it as a single flat syllable like ‘bal-et’ with an abrupt end; (2) mispronouncing the second syllable as a pure short ‘ee’ or ‘ay’ without the glide. Correct by enforcing a clear /eɪ/ diphthong at the end and maintaining a brief pause between syllables, allowing the first syllable to carry main stress. Visualize the mouth moving from the short /æ/ to the higher, rounded /eɪ/ without tightening the jaw.
Across US, UK, and AU, the pronunciation remains /ˈbæl.eɪ/ with primary stress on the first syllable. The vowel qualities differ: US tends to a slightly more open /æ/ and a longer, stronger /eɪ/; UK can soften the /æ/ a touch and produce a crisper /eɪ/. Australian tends toward vowel flattening in rapid speech; connections in connected speech may reduce the vowel duration slightly while preserving the diphthong’s contour.
The challenge lies in the two-syllable structure with a rising diphthong in the second syllable and the need for precise vowel quality. Beginners often elongate or misplace the second syllable, making it sound like ‘bal-lette’ or ‘bal-et.’ Focus on a clean /æ/ in the first syllable and a distinct /eɪ/ in the second, with steady stress and a quick, smooth transition between syllables.
Ballet uniquely combines a stressed open-front vowel /æ/ with a high-mid, fronting diphthong /eɪ/. The boundary between syllables is delicate; you should avoid adding a schwa or extra consonants. Pay attention to lip relaxation around the diphthong, keep the tongue low-front for /æ/, and glide to a mid-front position for /eɪ/ without forming ‘bal-et’ with a hard stop between syllables.
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Ballet derives from the French ballet, which in turn traces to the Italian ballare, meaning to dance. The French term gained prominence in the 16th–17th centuries as courtly ballet developed into a codified art form. The word ballade and ballet are related through the root ball- from Latin ballare, connected to ballum ‘dance.’ Early usage in English appeared in the 18th century as ballet denoted both the dance form and the decorative performances around it. By the 19th century, the term had become specialized, referring to a refined, theatrical dance technique characterized by turnout, pointe work, and structured movement sequences. In modern usage, ballet often connotes a canonical repertoire and formal artistic training, while still being used in broader contexts to describe televised productions or contemporary adaptations of traditional technique.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Ballet" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Ballet" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "Ballet"
-let sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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