2 syllables: gam, ble. Stress on gam.
GAM-buhl
/ˈɡæmbəl/
gamble is pronounced GAM-buhl (/ˈɡæmbəl/). It has two syllables (gam-ble), with the stress on "gam". Gamble is a verb (also a noun in gambling contexts) meaning to hazard something of value on an uncertain outcome, or to take a risky action in hopes of a reward. It implies risking stakes, often in games of chance, finance, or decision-making, with an expectation of potential gain despite the possibility of loss. The core idea is risk-taking rather than cautious behavior.
Gamble is a verb (also a noun in gambling contexts) meaning to hazard something of value on an uncertain outcome, or to take a risky action in hopes of a reward. It implies risking stakes, often in games of chance, finance, or decision-making, with an expectation of potential gain despite the possibility of loss. The core idea is risk-taking rather than cautious behavior.
"She decided to gamble on the new startup, hoping for high returns."
"The company warned that cutting costs would be a gamble with its long-term reputation."
"He gambled with the savings, securing a loan to fund the venture."
Pronounce as /ˈɡæm.bəl/. Start with a hard G as in go, then /æ/ as in cat, then /m/ followed by a light /bəl/ sequence. The final syllable has a reduced /ə/ (schwa) sound before the /l/, with the /l/ light and clear. Stress is on the first syllable: GAM-ble. Audio reference: listen for /ˈɡæm.bəl/ in standard speech samples.
Two frequent errors: (1) Overpronouncing the second syllable as /bəl/ with a strong vowel; keep it as a schwa or reduced /əl/ sound. (2) Losing the /æ/ quality, pronouncing /gæm-bəl/ with a dull vowel; ensure the /æ/ is short but clear. Correction tips: keep the first vowel short and crisp, avoid adding extra vowels, and lightly articulate the /l/ after the /b/.
In all three accents, the initial /ɡ/ and /æ/ are consistent, but vowel duration and rhoticity vary. US English tends to be non-rhotic for this word when followed by an /r/ in connected speech; the /æ/ remains crisp, the /ə/ in the second syllable is reduced. UK and AU accents keep a similar structure; the final /l/ may be more pronounced in some dialects. Primary stress remains on the first syllable in all three varieties.
The challenge lies in the subtle vowel in the second syllable and the quick reduction from /m/ to /b/ to /əl/. The sequence /m.bəl/ requires careful timing to avoid inserting a vowel between /m/ and /b/. Additionally, keeping the /l/ light without adding an extra vowel after /b/ can be tricky in connected speech. Practice the syllables slowly, then increase speed while maintaining crisp consonants and a reduced final vowel.
Yes—gamble is notable for its identical spelling in verb and noun forms with a consistent primary stress on the first syllable. The second syllable is typically weakly vocalized as /əl/ rather than a strong /əl/ with full vowel. This contrasts with some two-syllable words where stress shifts or the second syllable bears more prominence in some contexts.
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Gamble originated in the mid-14th century from the Low German or Dutch word gambeln, meaning ‘to play at dice’ or ‘to take a chance.’ The term entered English via gambling culture in medieval Europe, where games of chance involved staking bets. Its usage broadened from literal gambling to broader risk-taking in various domains. The word’s semantic core—risking something of value on an uncertain outcome—solidified by the 16th century and became common in both colloquial and literary contexts. Over time, gamble acquired additional metaphorical senses, including taking a gamble on a plan or business venture. The noun form, referring to the act of gambling or the bet itself, became standard by the 17th century. By the 19th and 20th centuries, “gamble” also entered idiomatic expressions such as “gamble with one’s life” or “gamble on a hunch,” reflecting risk as a broader human behavior rather than strictly gaming.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "gamble" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "gamble" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "gamble"
-ble sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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