2 syllables: hen, ry. Stress on hen.
HEN-ree
/ˈhɛnɹi/
henry is pronounced HEN-ree (/ˈhɛnɹi/). It has two syllables (hen-ry), with the stress on "hen". Henry is a proper name widely used in English-speaking contexts. It typically functions as a male given name and occasionally appears in historical or cultural references. In everyday speech, it is pronounced with two syllables and a light, unstressed final vowel, producing a concise, clear given-name rhythm.
Henry is a proper name widely used in English-speaking contexts. It typically functions as a male given name and occasionally appears in historical or cultural references. In everyday speech, it is pronounced with two syllables and a light, unstressed final vowel, producing a concise, clear given-name rhythm.
"The professor introduced Henry as the keynote speaker."
"I spoke to Henry about the project this morning."
"Henry wrote a thoughtful note after the meeting."
Pronounce as two syllables: /ˈhɛn.ri/. The first syllable uses a short 'e' as in 'bed' and a clear 'n' consonant. The second syllable is a reduced but distinct 'ri' with a light, unstressed ending. Mouth positions: raise the tip of the tongue to make the /h/ softly, then relax into /ɛn/ with the jaw lowered; for /ri/, let the tongue sit high in the mouth with the tip behind the lower front teeth and a relaxed lip rounding.
Common errors: (1) Overpronouncing the final /i/ as a full vowel rather than a short, schwa-like /ɪ/ or /i/. (2) Slurring the /ɹ/ into a vowel at the end, producing /ˈhɛn.ɹi/ with an unclear coda. (3) Misplacing stress, sometimes unfavorably giving two equal syllables. Correction: emphasize the first syllable with a crisp /ˈhɛn/ and keep the second syllable light but clear as /ri/; practice by alternating ‘HEN-ree’ against ‘hen-RY’ to train the natural stress pattern.
In US English, /ˈhɛn.ri/ with rhotic R; the second syllable uses a clear /ɹ/ before a vowel. In UK English, /ˈhen.ri/ often features a shorter, less pronounced /r/ and slightly tighter vowel quality in /e/; non-rhotic tendencies mean /r/ may be less vocalized in some subdialects. Australian English mirrors US rhoticity but may show more centralized vowel qualities: /ˈhen.ɹi/ with a slightly closer /e/ vowel and a durable /ɹ/ onset. Overall, the word remains two syllables across accents, with subtle vowel shifts and rhotic handling driving the difference.
Difficulties stem from the two-syllable structure with abrupt vowel change and the /ɹ/ coda in rapid speech. Some learners glide into a single-syllable pronunciation, blurring /n/ and /r/ or misplacing the tongue for /ɹ/. The short /e/ vowel requires a precise mid-low position; any drift toward /æ/ or /ɛ/ can alter recognition. Focus on crisp onset /h/ and clear separation between /ɛn/ and /ri/ to preserve the name’s natural rhythm.
Is the ending ‘ry’ more like /ri/ or /riː/? In standard English, it’s /ri/ with a short, unstressed vowel, not a long /iː/. You’ll hear a quick, light end on the second syllable; avoid turning it into a prolonged ‘ree’ or an /rɪ/ variation. Practicing with minimal pairs like ‘henry’ vs. ‘henri’ in different dialects helps you feel the natural duration and mouth position for authentic usage.
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Henry derives from the Old Germanic name Heimric, formed from the elements heim (home) and rics (ruler, power). It entered English via the French form Henri, later adopting English spellings Henry and Harry. The name became especially prominent in medieval Europe due to numerous kings named Henry, including the English Henry I–VIII, which solidified its regal associations. First known usage in English dates back to Proto-Germanic and Old French contact in the early Middle Ages, with the form Henry appearing in written records by the 11th century. Over time, Henry also stimulated affectionate diminutives, notably Hank and Harry, which remain common informal forms in modern English. The name’s cultural resonance persists in literature, film, and music, often signaling a traditionally masculine, sturdy character with historical weight.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "henry" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "henry" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "henry"
-nry sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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