2 syllables: con, quests. Stress on con.
KAHN-kwests
/ˈkɑnˌkwɛsts/
conquests is pronounced KAHN-kwests (/ˈkɑnˌkwɛsts/). It has two syllables (con-quests), with the stress on "con". Conquests refers to successful military campaigns or the act of conquering. It can also denote notable achievements or acquisitions. In plural form, it emphasizes multiple campaigns or accomplishments across different contexts, often carrying historical or strategic connotations.
Conquests refers to successful military campaigns or the act of conquering. It can also denote notable achievements or acquisitions. In plural form, it emphasizes multiple campaigns or accomplishments across different contexts, often carrying historical or strategic connotations.
- You may merge the /ŋ/ and /k/ into a single sound; instead, maintain the velar nasal /ŋ/ then release into /kw/: /ŋ.kw/. - Underemphasizing the /kw/ cluster; practice with a clear /k/ followed by /w/ to prevent blending into /kw/ too early. - Final /ts/ is weak or rushed; ensure a crisp alveolar release: lightly press tongue behind upper teeth and snap to stop the /t/ before z.
"The Roman Empire expanded through numerous conquests across Europe and the Mediterranean."
"Her conquests in business brought the company to international prominence."
"The documentary recounts the conquests of explorers during the age of discovery."
Pronounce as /ˈkɒŋ.kwɛsts/ in British English and /ˈkɑːŋ.kwɛsts/ in American English, with primary stress on the first syllable. The second syllable starts with an /kw/ cluster, followed by /ɛsts/. Keep the /ŋ/ as in ‘cone’ instead of a hard /n/. Listening example: you’ll hear the emphasis on ‘CON-quests,’ then a crisp final /sts/. Audio reference: try Cambridge or Oxford pronunciations for a model.
Common errors: 1) Pronouncing with a plain /nk/ or /ŋk/ rather than the correct /ŋ.kw/ sequence, 2) Misplacing the /w/ after the /kw/ without the expected vowel timing, 3) Weak final /ts/ or blending it with a final /s/. Correction: keep a clear /ŋ/ before /kw/, insert a brief vowel to separate /kw/ and /ɛst/, and clearly release the final /ts/ with a light burst. Practicing slow, then speed, helps stabilize the sequence.
In US English, emphasis on the first syllable with /ˈkɑŋ.kwɛsts/ or /ˈkɒŋ.kwɛsts/ in some dialects, the /r/ is not pronounced; /kw/ is a tight affricate sequence. UK English tends toward /ˈkɒŋ.kwɛsts/ with shorter vowel in the first, non-rhotic R, and Australian English mirrors non-rhotic vowels but with a broader /ɒ/ quality. Across accents, the main differences lie in vowel quality and rhoticity; the knot remains the /ŋ/ + /kw/ sequence and the final /ts/.
The challenge lies in the /ŋ/ before the /kw/ cluster and the transition into /kwɛsts/. The sequence /ŋ.kw/ is not as common in English, so your tongue has to glide from the velar nasal into the labiovelar /kw/ without breaking the flow. The final /ts/ requires precise dental-alveolar release. Practicing with slower tempo and careful articulation helps you achieve a clean, crisp ending.
No silent letters in standard pronunciation. Every sound is articulated: /ˈkɒŋ.kwɛsts/ or /ˈkɑːŋ.kwɛsts/ with a clearly enunciated final /ts/. The challenge is accurate timing and the /ŋ/ before /kw/, not silent letters.
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- US: rhotic-less? US generally non-rhotic? Actually US is rhotic; /r/ is pronounced in syllable coda positions only in some dialects; here, r is not involved. Focus on the vowel quality: /ɒ/ or /ɑː/ depending on speaker; keep /ŋ/ clean, avoid a nasalized vowel. - UK: non-rhotic; ensure /ˈkɒŋ.kwɛsts/ with a shorter /ɒ/ and clear /t/ release. - AU: similar to UK with slightly broader vowels and more-lax consonants; keep /ˈkɒŋ.kwɛsts/ and avoid overemphasizing /ɪ/ or /ɛ/.
Conquest comes from the Old French conquest, from Latin conquisita, from conquirere “to seek out, win, obtain by effort.” The Latin root con- means “together, with,” and quaerere means “to seek.” The term entered English via Norman French in the 12th century, originally tied to military victory and possession of land. Over time, conquests broadened to include figurative victories—scientific, cultural, or social achievements. In modern English, conquests retain their strong, often historical or strategic charge, though they can be used metaphorically. First known use in English is documented in the late 14th century, with usage expanding in the 16th and 17th centuries to describe large-scale military campaigns and territorial acquisitions. The plural conquests emerged as a natural extension to discuss multiple campaigns or notable triumphs across different eras or domains.
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Words that rhyme with "conquests"
-cts sounds
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