3 syllables: in, ter, vened. Stress on vened.
in-tur-VEEND
/ˌɪntɚˈvind/
intervened is pronounced in-tur-VEEND (/ˌɪntɚˈvind/). It has three syllables (in-ter-vened), with the stress on "vened". Intervened means to step in or occur between parties or events to alter a course of action. It often refers to action taken to prevent or resolve a situation, typically after a concern has arisen. The term implies timely involvement to influence outcomes or prevent harm, and it can apply to individuals, organizations, or systems.
Intervened means to step in or occur between parties or events to alter a course of action. It often refers to action taken to prevent or resolve a situation, typically after a concern has arisen. The term implies timely involvement to influence outcomes or prevent harm, and it can apply to individuals, organizations, or systems.
"The government intervened to stop the budget crisis from worsening."
"She intervened in the argument to calm everyone down."
"The referee intervened when the players began to fight."
Pronounced /ˌɪn.təˈviːnd/ in US and UK dictionaries, with primary stress on the third syllable 'VEEND' (viːnd). Start with an unstressed 'in' or 'in-tə' compressed quickly, then a clear 'veen' with a long ee sound, followed by a silent-ish 'd' in natural speech? Not silent—the final /d/ is boundary-voiced. Tip: keep the palate high for /iː/ and avoid reducing /viː/ to /vi/. Audio examples from Pronounce and YouGlish can help anchor the rhythm.
Two common errors: (1) misplacing the stress, saying ‘IN-ter-VEIND’ or distributing stress too evenly; (2) shortening the /iː/ in the 'veen' syllable to a short /ɪ/; and (3) softening the final /nd/ into /n/ or dropping the /d/. Correction cues: place primary stress on the third syllable /veend/ with a clear /iː/; keep the /n/ and /d/ as a crisp /nd/ cluster, and ensure the vowels in the first two syllables stay reduced as /tə/ or /tɚ/ depending on accent.
US: /ˌɪn.təˈviːnd/ with rhoticity and a clear unstressed first syllable. UK: /ˌɪn.təˈviːnd/ similar, but subtle vowel quality differences in /ə/ and a slightly crisper /nd/. AU: /ˌɪn.təˈwiːnd/ can show a stronger non-rhotic or a slightly longer /iː/ depending on speaker, but generally close to UK. The key is the /iː/ in /viːnd/ and the stress on the third syllable; the middle vowel often reduces more in US.
Because the word pairs a reduced function word 'in' or 'int' with a longer 'veen' vowel and a final /nd/ cluster, requiring precise timing to avoid merging the syllables. The middle /ə/ can be so reduced that you can blur into /ɪnˈviːnd/ if you hurry. Additionally, the combination of stress on the third syllable and a clear /nd/ requires careful articulation of the last consonant without adding epenthetic vowels.
The word contains a primary stress on the third syllable and a long /iː/ in /viːnd/. A unique feature is maintaining a short, quick first prefix /ɪn/ or /ɪn.tə/ while not sacrificing the length of the /iː/ in the second vowel. Also, ensure you articulate the final /nd/ as a crisp cluster rather than a nasal-plus-voiceless stop.
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Intervened comes from the combination of the Latin prefix inter- meaning 'between' and venire meaning 'to come'. Over time, the sense expanded from literally coming between two parties to more abstractly coming between events or actions to modify or stop something. The term appears in English contexts by the late Middle Ages, but it gained wide usage in the modern era as institutions and governments increasingly involve themselves in disputes, conflicts, or problematic developments. The formation follows a typical Latin-based verb pattern, with -ed marking past tense. First known uses often describe external interference in a dispute or progression, gradually broadening to medical, legal, and organizational contexts where an actor intervenes to prevent harm or facilitate resolution.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "intervened" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "intervened" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "intervened"
-ned sounds
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