3 syllables: Ma, ver, ick. Stress on Ma.
MAV-ur-ik
/ˈmævɚɪk/
Maverick is pronounced MAV-ur-ik (/ˈmævɚɪk/). It has three syllables (Ma-ver-ick), with the stress on "Ma". A maverick is a person who takes an independent or unorthodox stance, often challenging established norms or rules. In common usage, it refers to someone who acts boldly or innovatively, especially outside the mainstream. The term carries a sense of fearless individuality and nonconformity, sometimes admired and sometimes controversial.
nounA maverick is a person who takes an independent or unorthodox stance, often challenging established norms or rules. In common usage, it refers to someone who acts boldly or innovatively, especially outside the mainstream. The term carries a sense of fearless individuality and nonconformity, sometimes admired and sometimes controversial.
- You may instinctively flatten the /æ/ in the first syllable to something like /e/; practice with minimal pairs comparing /mæ/ vs /meɪ/ to lock in the correct vowel. - The middle syllable /vər/ often collapses; articulate /v/ with a light contact of upper teeth on lower lip and keep a short /ə/ before the /r/. - The ending /ɪk/ can get devoiced to /ɪk/ or /ɪk/; ensure you voice the /ɪ/ and then crisp /k/ release. - In fast speech, the r becomes less audible; work on keeping a clear /ɹ/ articulation without overemphasizing the vowel.
"The new project was led by a maverick designer who ignored traditional briefs and fused unexpected ideas."
"In politics, a maverick candidate ran on a platform that defied party expectations."
"The team valued a maverick approach to problem-solving, even if it meant taking brief risks."
Maverick is pronounced /ˈmævərɪk/. Emphasize the first syllable: MAV-uh-rik. Break it into three phonemes: /mæ/ as in map, /və/ as in punctuation, but with a short schwa, and /rɪk/ with a light rolled or approximant /ɹ/ followed by /ɪk/. In careful speech you’ll hear three distinct segments: /mæ/ + /və/ + /rɪk/. If you’re recording, start with a strong initial /m/ lip seal, then unfold quickly into /æ/ and the unstressed /və/ before the final /rɪk/.
Common mistakes include: 1) Dropping the second syllable and saying /ˈmævərɪk/ with too-short a /ə/; keep a clear /ə/ in the second syllable. 2) Misplacing the primary stress on the second or third syllable; ensure the stress remains on the first syllable /ˈmævərɪk/. 3) Blurring the final /ɪk/ into /ɪk/ or /ɪk/ making it sound like /ˈmævərɪk/ with a weak ending. Practice by isolating each segment and connecting them smoothly.
US/UK/AU share /ˈmævərɪk/ but rhoticity affects the /r/: US and AU typically pronounce the /r/ as a rhotic /ɹ/ clearly; UK often has a non-rhotic style, with a slightly weaker or less pronounced /r/ in syllable-final position. Vowel quality in /æ/ may be a touch tenser in American speech. The /ə/ in /vər/ is often reduced more in UK English, producing /ˈmæv(ə)rɪk/ in rapid speech. Overall, listeners will hear US and AU as more rhotic, UK as less rhotic with subtle vowel adjustments.
The difficulty lies in the precise consonant cluster at the end /rɪk/ and the midcentral /ə/ reduction. Keeping the /æ/ clearly differentiated from /ə/ and transitioning smoothly into /r/ without a vowel hitch can be tricky. Also, maintaining correct primary stress on the first syllable while not over-articulating the final /k/ requires careful timing and mouth positioning, especially for non-native speakers.
A distinctive feature is the unstressed yet audible middle syllable /vər/. Practically, you maintain a quick, light /v/ and a schwa-ish /ə/ that leads into the final /rɪk/. This mid-syllable can trap learners into an overly crisp or overly reduced vowel. Aim for a balanced, brief schwa that keeps the flow natural and keeps the final /rɪk/ crisp.
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- US: rhotic /ɹ/ is strong; the /æ/ can be a bit lax in casual speech; keep the vowel short but clear. - UK: often non-rhotic; the /r/ is less pronounced in coda position and /ə/ in /vər/ may be more centralized; use a lighter, shorter schwa. - AU: tends toward rhoticity similar to US but with Australian vowel quality that can be slightly flatter; keep the /æ/ bright and the /ə/ relaxed. IPA references: US /ˈmævərɪk/, UK /ˈmæv(ə)rɪk/, AU /ˈmævərɪk/.
Maverick comes from the surname of Samuel Maverick, a 19th-century Texas rancher who refused to brand his cattle. The lack of branding, a sign of independence and individuality, became associated with unorthodox or independent behavior. The word entered American English in the 19th century as a descriptor for people who acted without regard to conventional norms, paralleling the rancher’s reputation for not following the herd. Over time it broadened beyond cattle branding to designate anyone who acts independently or rebelliously within a given field or social sphere. The term’s appeal lies in its connotation of fearless initiative and nonconformity, often celebrated in business, culture, and sports. First known uses appear in 19th-century American newspapers and literature describing independent-minded individuals who defy expectations, reinforcing the sense of a pioneering, boundary-pushing stance.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Maverick" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Maverick" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "Maverick"
-ick sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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