2 syllables: Cir, cus. Stress on Cir.
SUR-kuhs
/ˈsɝkəs/
Circus is pronounced SUR-kuhs (/ˈsɝkəs/). It has two syllables (Cir-cus), with the stress on "Cir". Circus (noun) refers to a traveling or fixed entertainment show featuring acrobats, clowns, and animals, typically performed under a large tent or arena. It denotes the world of performance arts and spectacle, often evoking a sense of wonder and danger. The term can also describe the circus industry as a collective enterprise. 2-4 sentences capture its essence and context.
nounCircus (noun) refers to a traveling or fixed entertainment show featuring acrobats, clowns, and animals, typically performed under a large tent or arena. It denotes the world of performance arts and spectacle, often evoking a sense of wonder and danger. The term can also describe the circus industry as a collective enterprise. 2-4 sentences capture its essence and context.
- Consciously avoid shifting the primary stress to the second syllable; keep /ˈsɜːr/ as the nucleus of the word. - Do not over-pronounce the second syllable; end with a crisp /kəs/ rather than a prolonged /kəsɪ/ or /s/. - Be mindful of rhotic vs non-rhotic pronunciation; practice with and without pronouncing /r/ in connected speech to align with your target accent.
How to Pronounce Circus
"The circus returns to town with a dazzling lineup of aerial acts and daring trapeze performances."
"Children enjoyed the colorful costumes and juggling in the circus."
"She trained for months to perform high-wire stunts at the circus."
Pronounce as /ˈsɜːr.kəs/ in US English and /ˈsɜː.kəs/ in UK/AU English. The primary stress is on the first syllable: CIR-cus. Start with an open-mid back unrounded vowel in the first syllable, then a light /r/ (American rhotics may pronounce /ɹ/), and finish with a short, lax /kəs/. Audio reference: you can hear models on Pronounce or Forvo under 'circus'.
Common errors: misplacing stress (e.g., cirCUS), over-articulating the second syllable, or pronouncing the final /s/ as a voiced /z/. Correction: keep strong stress on first syllable /ˈsɜːr/ and end with a crisp /kəs/. Practice by isolating /ˈsɜːr/ then add /kəs/ smoothly, ensuring the /ɹ/ is compact in American speech and lighter in British. Regularly compare with native samples.
In US English, /ˈsɜːr.kəs/ with a rhotic /ɹ/ and a clear /ɹ/ into the vowel; non-rhotic UK accents may reduce the /r/ so it sounds closer to /ˈsɜː.kəs/. Australian tends to align with US vowel quality but may soften the /ɹ/ and keep a clipped /s/ ending. Overall, stress remains on the first syllable; vowel quality in the first syllable shifts subtly with rhoticity and vowel height.
The difficulty lies in balancing a strong initial stressed syllable with a quick, unstressed second syllable, and the /ɜː/ vowel quality plus the /r/ in US speech. Some learners also wrestle with the short, lax final /əs/ versus a longer /əs/ in connected speech. Focus on ensuring the /ˈsɜː/ onset is rounded, then glide into a sharp /kəs/ without vowel intrusion.
The word contains a single-stress pattern with an /ɜː/ vowel in an unstressed environment that can be influenced by following consonants and surrounding vowels. Pay attention to the transition from /ɜːr/ (in US) to /ɜː/ (in UK). The second syllable /kəs/ is short and clipped; do not insert extra vowel sounds between /r/ and /k/.
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- US: Emphasize rhotic /ɹ/ in /ˈsɜːr/; keep the tongue at the alveolar ridge with a slight curl; the /ɹ/ should be smooth, not overtly bunched. The final /əs/ is quick and reduces, not a full syllable. IPA reference: US /ˈsɜːɹ.kəs/ (often /ˈsɜːr.kəs/ in many dialects). - UK: Non-rhotic tendency; the /r/ is silent (if following a vowel) leading to /ˈsɜː.kəs/. The first vowel may be slightly higher or tenser depending on regional variation; keep a short, crisp /kəs/ ending. - AU: Similar to US vowel qualities, with a subtlely less pronounced /ɹ/; maintain a clear /ˈsɜː.kəs/ with a light /ɹ/ depending on speaker. - Vowel quality notes: the key is the /ɜː/ as the nucleus; ensure it’s a mid-central vowel with appropriate lip position (slightly rounded for US, neutral for UK/AU).
Circus comes from the Latin circus, meaning a ring, circle, or ring-shaped place of assembly. The Romans used circuses for chariot races, named for the circular track around which the sport occurred. The Latin term eventually broadened to denote a performance space and entertainment, including acrobatic shows. In English, circus appeared in the early modern period, gaining popularity in the 18th and 19th centuries with traveling shows featuring trained animals, performers, and rings within tents. The sense expanded to include contemporary traveling shows and fixed entertainment venues. The word’s evolution reflects broader cultural tastes for spectacular, multi-act performances and the commercialization of public entertainment. First known English usage dates to the 18th century, paralleling the emergence of the modern circus as a structured entertainment format.
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
Help others use "Circus" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "Circus" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Circus" and show contrast in usage.
📚 Vocabulary tip: Learning synonyms and antonyms helps you understand nuanced differences in meaning and improves your word choice in speaking and writing.
Words that rhyme with "Circus"
-cus sounds
-re) sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
🎵 Rhyme tip: Practicing with rhyming words helps you master similar sound patterns and improves your overall pronunciation accuracy.
