2 syllables: E, ros. Stress on E.
IR-ahs
/ˈɪɹɑs/
Eros is pronounced IR-ahs (/ˈɪɹɑs/). It has two syllables (E-ros), with the stress on "E". Eros is a literary and mythological term referring to the Greek god of love, as well as a broader notion of passionate desire. In modern usage it denotes romantic or erotic love in cultural or poetic contexts. The word can also appear in academic discussions of myth, psychology, and literature as a symbol of love’s driving force.
nounEros is a literary and mythological term referring to the Greek god of love, as well as a broader notion of passionate desire. In modern usage it denotes romantic or erotic love in cultural or poetic contexts. The word can also appear in academic discussions of myth, psychology, and literature as a symbol of love’s driving force.
- You may place the stress on the second syllable when speaking hurriedly. Reminder: stress is on the first syllable: /ˈɪroʊz/. - The second syllable diphthong can slide toward /əʊ/ or /oʊ/ too much; aim for a clear /roʊ/ or /rəʊ/ transition. - Final z should be crisp; avoid voiceless endings or adding extra consonants like /s/.
"The poet invoked Eros as the personification of radiant, irresistible desire."
"In the symposium, Eros was discussed as a powerful force that binds lovers together."
"The film explores Eros not just as sex, but as the deeper longing that motivates characters."
In standard English, say Eros as /ˈɪroʊz/ (US) or /ˈɪrəʊz/ (UK/AU). The primary stress is on the first syllable. Start with a short 'ih' sound, then a long 'oh' vowel at the second syllable, ending with a voiced 'z'. Your mouth should open briefly for the first vowel, then round slightly for the second vowel. Listen for a smooth, two-syllable rhythm with a final z sound. Audio references: [Pronounce] and reputable dictionaries provide native speaker pronunciations.
Common errors include stressing the second syllable, producing /ˈaiɚɔs/ or misplacing the vowel as a long 'ee' instead of a short 'ih' in the first syllable. Another mistake is finishing with a voiced 'z' rather than a clear /z/ after a tense vowel. To fix: ensure the first vowel is a lax /ɪ/ and avoid vowel reduction; maintain the /roʊ/ or /rəʊ/ diphthong in the second syllable and end with a crisp /z/ without adding extra consonants.
US: /ˈɪroʊz/ with an explicit /roʊ/ diphthong and rhotic rhoticity; UK/AU: /ˈɪrəʊz/ where the second vowel is closer to /əʊ/ with non-rhoticity influencing vowel quality. In some Australian speech, you may hear a slightly more centralized first vowel and a broader /əʊ/ diphthong. Overall, the key shift is in the second syllable diphthong and rhoticity, while stress remains on the first syllable across regions.
The difficulty lies in the subtle diphthong transition in the second syllable and the final /z/ in rapid speech. English speakers may mispronounce as /ˈɛrɒs/ or /ˈiːrɒs/, misplacing the mouth position. Focus on maintaining a clean first syllable /ˈɪr/ with a crisp /roʊ/ or /rəʊ/ second syllable and a voiced, controlled /z/. IPA cues help, and recording yourself helps you hear the exact vowel transitions.
A distinctive feature is maintaining a tight, two-beat rhythm in the word: one quick, stressed syllable followed by a lighter second syllable that carries the diphthong. Additionally, the trailing /z/ should be vocalized clearly without devoicing in connected speech. Practicing with minimal pairs like 'ero' vs. 'eros' in context can cement the stress pattern and consonant voicing, ensuring you keep the intended mythic and poetic nuance.
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- US: rhotic /ər/ in the second syllable blends back toward the r, so /ˈɪroʊz/. - UK/AU: often a more reduced, non-rhotic second syllable /ˈɪrəʊz/ with slightly centralized vowels. - IPA references: US /ˈɪroʊz/, UK/AU /ˈɪrəʊz/. - Pay attention to the first syllable; keep it short and crisp, then glide into the second syllable’s rounded diphthong. - Practice with minimal pairs focusing on r-coloring and diphthong length.
Eros originates in ancient Greek mythology as the primordial god of love and sexual desire. The name Eros (Ἔρως) is attested in early Greek poetry and philosophy, including works by Hesiod and later Homeric texts, where he is sometimes described as a primordial force rather than just a childlike Cupid. The term entered Latin as Eros and then into modern European languages with the meaning of romantic or erotic love. Over time, Eros shifted from a divine personification to a literary symbol representing passionate longing, often contrasted with agape or storge in philosophical and psychological discourses. The earliest evidence of the name appears in archaic Greek verse, evolving through classical drama and Hellenistic literature, where discussions of desire and love became more secular and psychological. In English, Eros has retained mythological aura while functioning as a proper noun in mythological contexts and as a common noun in poetic and scholarly usage. First known English attestations appear in Renaissance translations of classical texts, reinforcing Eros as a cultural shorthand for intense, consuming love.
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Eros" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Eros" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "Eros"
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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