3 syllables: Ob, se, quies. Stress on se.
uhb-SEE-kwiz
/əbˈsiː.kwɪz/
Obsequies is pronounced uhb-SEE-kwiz (/əbˈsiː.kwɪz/). It has three syllables (Ob-se-quies), with the stress on "se". Obsequies (noun) are funeral rites or ceremonies performed to honor someone who has died. The term is formal and somewhat ceremonial, often found in literary or legal contexts. It conveys a sense of solemnity and ritual associated with mourning and remembrance.
nounObsequies (noun) are funeral rites or ceremonies performed to honor someone who has died. The term is formal and somewhat ceremonial, often found in literary or legal contexts. It conveys a sense of solemnity and ritual associated with mourning and remembrance.
- You might naturalize the final /kwiz/ as /kwɪz/ or /kwizz/. Correct by practicing the sequence /siː.kwiːz/ with a sharp /kw/ release. - You may place primary stress on the third syllable, like ob-se-QUIS, which distorts rhythm; keep stress on the second syllable: ob-SE-quies. - The middle vowel /iː/ can be shortened to /ɪ/ in rapid speech; practice slow, then speed up while maintaining length. - Final /z/ should be voiced; avoid turning it into a voiceless /s/; finish with a clear /z/.
"The family held obsequies for the beloved writer after his passing."
"During the medieval era, obsequies were elaborate, with processions and chants."
"The monastery observed its annual obsequies with solemn hymns and candles."
Pronounce as /əbˈsiː.kwiːz/ (uhb-SEE-kweez). The primary stress falls on the second syllable: ob-SE-quies. The first syllable is a short schwa, the second features a long EE as in “see,” and the final “-ies” is pronounced as /iːz/. Think: “uhb-SEE-kweez.” Audio guidance: listen to reputable dictionaries or pronunciation videos for same rhythm.
Common errors include misplacing the stress (saying ob-SE-QUEES or ob-se-QUIES), mispronouncing the middle vowel as a short /ɪ/ instead of /iː/, and truncating the final /z/ to a /s/ or making the ending /kwɪz/ instead of /kwiːz/. Correct by stressing the second syllable, elongating the /iː/ in the third syllable, and clearly releasing the /z/ at the end: /əbˈsiː.kwiːz/.
In US, UK, and AU, the pronunciation centers on /əbˈsiː.kwiːz/. The main difference is vowel quality and rhoticity: US pronunciations are rhotic and maintain /ə/ then /ˈsiː/; UK tends to non-rhoticize the /r/ (not present here) and keeps the same vowel length; Australian tends to a broad /ə/ and slightly clipped consonants, but the /ˈsiː.kwiːz/ remains intact. Overall, the stress pattern and syllable timing are similar across accents.
Key challenges include the three-syllable structure with a long /iː/ in the second vowel and a final /kwiz/ cluster. The /kw/ onset after a long /iː/ can trick speakers into misplacing syllables or shortening the final /iː/ to /ɪ/. The correct rhythm is ob-SE-qui-es with a long /iː/ in the second and third syllables and a clear /z/ ending; deliberate articulation helps avoid slurring the /kw/ blend.
A distinctive feature is the final -ies pronounced as /iːz/, not a simple /z/ or /ɪz/. The third syllable centers on a long /iː/ sound, and the /kw/ sequence requires precise lip rounding and tongue advancement to avoid blending into /kwi/ or /kweɪ/. Emphasize the contrast between /siː/ and /kwiz/ to maintain correct cadence.
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Obsequies comes from Late Latin obsequiae (funeral rites), from obsequium (a complying service, attendance, or obligation), and ultimately from the Latin obsequēre (to comply, to be suitable). The root ob- means toward or in the direction of, and sequ- stems from sequī (to follow). In Classical Latin, obsequium referred to obedience or homage, which evolved into ceremonial acts after death. In English, obsequies entered in the 15th century through legal and ecclesiastical language, carrying connotations of formal mourning rites rather than casual funeral practices. Over time, the term retained its solemn, high-register tone and remains most common in formal writing, poetry, and historical or ceremonial contexts. It contrasts with everyday terms like funeral or burial, instead signaling a more ritualized, propriety-laden sequence of ceremonies. In modern usage, it typically denotes plural rites rather than a single event and is sometimes used adjectivally in phrases like “obsequial rites.” Note that the word’s cadence and length often cue careful, deliberate pronunciation in formal discourse.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Obsequies" and can often be used interchangeably.
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Words that rhyme with "Obsequies"
-ies sounds
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