2 syllables: En, voy. Stress on En.
EN-voy
/ˈɛnvɔɪ/
Envoy is pronounced EN-voy (/ˈɛnvɔɪ/). It has two syllables (En-voy), with the stress on "En". Envoy is a noun referring to a messenger or representative, especially one on a diplomatic mission. It typically denotes a person sent on official duties to convey messages or negotiate, and can imply a formal, sometimes temporary, assignment. The term stresses ceremonial and diplomatic function more than everyday courier roles.
nounEnvoy is a noun referring to a messenger or representative, especially one on a diplomatic mission. It typically denotes a person sent on official duties to convey messages or negotiate, and can imply a formal, sometimes temporary, assignment. The term stresses ceremonial and diplomatic function more than everyday courier roles.
"The ambassador sent an envoy to negotiate the treaty."
"An envoy arrived to deliver the terms of the agreement."
"The governor appointed a trusted envoy to discuss regional concerns."
Pronounce as EN-voh(y). The primary stress is on the first syllable: /ˈɛnˌvɔɪ/. The second syllable is a diphthong ending in a vowel sound, so it flows quickly: /vɔɪ/. Think of it as two syllables with a clear break between EN and VOY. In careful speech you might hear a light 'y' glide at the end. Audio references: Cambridge dictionary entry and Forvo recordings show the /ˈɛnˌvɔɪ/ pattern.
Common errors include turning /vɔɪ/ into a simpler /vo/ or dropping the final y sound, producing EN-VO. To correct, practice the full diphthong /ɔɪ/ by starting with /ɔ/ then gliding to /ɪ/ or /ɪ/ depending on your accent, ensuring the vowel has a noticeable glide. Keep the /v/ as a voiced labiodental fricative, not a /b/ or /f/. Repeat with minimal pair drills: /ˈɛnˌvɔɪ/ vs /ˈɛnˌvo/ to lock in the diphthong and final glide.
In US/UK/AU the word retains /ˈɛnˌvɔɪ/ with the same stress pattern, but American speakers may show a slightly tighter /ɔɪ/ and faster syllable rate, while UK speakers might articulate the second syllable a touch more distinctly, with a fuller /ɔɪ/ and less rhoticity in rapid speech. Australian English tends to be vowel-shifted, with a bright /ɔɪ/ and crisp /v/; overall the rhoticity is variable but /ˈɛnˌvɔɪ/ remains the core shape.
Envoy poses a diphthong in the second syllable /ɔɪ/, which can be unfamiliar if your first language uses a monophthong in that position. The
Yes: Why is the stress pattern sometimes perceived as 'en-VOY' (second syllable stronger) even though the primary stress is on the first syllable? The answer lies in phonetic nuance: English often places a secondary stress or prominent intonation on the second syllable in fast speech or when contrasted with another word; the primary stress remains on the first syllable, but the second syllable receives perceptual emphasis to convey emphasis or contrast.
🗣️ Voice search tip: These questions are optimized for voice search. Try asking your voice assistant any of these questions about "Envoy"!
Envoy comes from Old French envoi, meaning ‘a sending’ or ‘a dispatch.’ The term entered English in the 16th century, via Middle French, from envoi, itself derived from envoyer ‘to send.’ The word reflects a specialized role: a person sent on a mission, especially for diplomacy. Early use targeted diplomatic messengers and official agents, later broadening to denote any representative or emissary. Pronounced with stress on the final syllable in some historical readings, the contemporary pronunciation places primary stress on the first syllable: en-VOY. Over time, the spelling retained the suffix -oy, aligning with other French-derived terms, while pronunciation shifted toward /ɪnˈvɔɪ/ in some contexts; today the standard modern form is /ˈɛnˌvɔɪ/ in US and UK varieties, though rhythm and vowel quality can vary by region.
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
Help others use "Envoy" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "Envoy" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Envoy" 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 "Envoy"
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.
