3 syllables: Pros, per, ous. Stress on Pros.
PRAH-spur-uhs
/ˈpɹɑːspɚəs/
Prosperous is pronounced PRAH-spur-uhs (/ˈpɹɑːspɚəs/). It has three syllables (Pros-per-ous), with the stress on "Pros". Prosperous is an adjective meaning wealthy or successful, typically indicating financial well-being or general flourishing. It describes a state characterized by good fortune and growth, often used to express wishes or describe conditions that are thriving. In use, it often implies sustained, favorable circumstances rather than fleeting luck.
adjectiveProsperous is an adjective meaning wealthy or successful, typically indicating financial well-being or general flourishing. It describes a state characterized by good fortune and growth, often used to express wishes or describe conditions that are thriving. In use, it often implies sustained, favorable circumstances rather than fleeting luck.
"The city became prosperous after the new economic reforms."
"She spoke of a prosperous future for her family and community."
"Investors are optimistic about the prosperous quarter ahead."
Pronounce as PROS-per-ous with primary stress on the first syllable. IPA US/UK/AU: /ˈprɒs.pə.rəs/. Start with a compact “pros” /prɒs/ with the short o as in 'cot', then a schwa in the second syllable /pə/, and end with /rəs/, rhotic in US/CA and non-rhotic in some UK dialects sounding closer to /rə/. Audio reference: standard American English pronunciation is /ˈprɑːs.pə.rəs/ or /ˈprɒs.pə.rəs/ depending on vowel variation; listen to reputable dictionaries for nuances.”,
Common mistakes include misplacing stress (say-ing PROS-per-us where the stress shifts second syllable) and mispronouncing the middle vowel as a clear /ɜː/ or /iː/. Another frequent error is blending /spr/ as a single sound rather than a cluster: pronounce /spr/ as three sounds: /s/ + /p/ + /r/. Correction: keep stress on the first syllable, use a short /ɒ/ or /ɑ/ in the first vowel depending on accent, insert a quick schwa in the second syllable /pə/, and finish with /rəs/. Practice with minimal pairs: pros versus pros-perous with clear /ə/ insertion.
In US English, pronounce /ˈprɒs.pə.rəs/ with rhotic /r/ and a quick /ə/ in the second syllable. UK English tends to be non-rhotic; you may hear /ˈprɒs.pə.rəs/ with a softer or dropped r, and vowel quality varies slightly with /ɒ/ vs /ɒː/. Australian English often leans toward /ˈprɒs.pə.rəs/ with a clear but less rhotic r and a slightly broader vowel in /ɒ/. Overall, the main differences are rhoticity and subtle vowel timing; practice listening to regional sources.
The difficulty lies in the three-syllable rhythm with a stressed first syllable and a schwa in the middle, plus a final rhotic or near-rhotic ending depending on accent. Learners commonly mispronounce the second syllable as a full vowel instead of /ə/ and mis-handle the /r/ in rhotic accents. Focus on keeping the middle /ə/ short and neutral, and ensure the final /rəs/ rounds smoothly without a deliberate added /r/ sound in non-rhotic varieties.
Yes—mind the vowel sequence: /ɒ/ (or /ɒː/), then /ə/ (schwa), then /rəs/. The second syllable is light; do not stretch it into /pɛrə/ or /pɜː/. Also ensure the first syllable retains a tight fronted 'pros' with clear /s/ and avoid over-articulating the /r/ in rhotic accents. Finally, keep a steady overall tempo so the word lands crisply rather than running into the following word.
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Prosperous derives from the Latin prosperus meaning “advantageous, faring well,” which in turn comes from prob—root related to good fortune—alongside the Latin suffix -osus meaning “full of.” The term entered English through Old French and Latin channels in the medieval period to describe conditions large-scale prosperity, resources, or flourishing outcomes. Over time, prosperous broadened from describing favorable economic conditions to denoting general flourishing, health, or success. The prefix pro- connotes forward motion or advancement, while -sper- relates to hope and fortune through Latin ferre/ferre, and the suffix -ous marks the adjective form. The earliest attested uses appear in late medieval English texts discussing wealth and success in cities and regimes, evolving to modern usage as a general descriptor for any thriving state or condition. In contemporary English, prosperous commonly collocates with nouns like economy, region, nation, family, and business, often paired with adjectives such as highly or undeniably to emphasize sustained growth and well-being.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Prosperous" and can often be used interchangeably.
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Words that rhyme with "Prosperous"
-ous sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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