2 syllables: Que, ry. Stress on Que.
KWEE-ree
/ˈkwiɹi/
Query is pronounced KWEE-ree (/ˈkwiɹi/). It has two syllables (Que-ry), with the stress on "Que". Query is a noun referring to a question or inquiry, often formal or requesting information. It can also mean a doubt or something put forth for examination. In computing, a query is a request for data or information from a database. The term implies seeking clarification or verification from another source.
nounQuery is a noun referring to a question or inquiry, often formal or requesting information. It can also mean a doubt or something put forth for examination. In computing, a query is a request for data or information from a database. The term implies seeking clarification or verification from another source.
"She raised a query about the data integrity in the report."
"The customer submitted a query to the support team."
"In SQL, a query retrieves records from a table based on specified criteria."
Phonetically, it is pronounced as /ˈkwɪəri/ in US and UK standards, with the first syllable stressed. Break it into three sounds: KWY- (start with a /k/ then a /w/ glide) and --ri (short /ɪə/ or /ɪə/ followed by a light /r/ and a final schwa). In careful speech you’ll hear the /w/ and /ɪə/ transition clearly, like KWY-uh-ree. For speed, it often sounds like /ˈkwɪri/ in rapid speech. Audio references: you can compare with the word “query” in pronunciation resources and dictionaries for listening accuracy.
Two frequent errors: (1) Pronouncing it as /ˈkjuːri/ with a long /uː/ instead of the correct /ˈkwɪəri/; you can fix by tightening the vowel to /ɪ/ in the first unstressed vowel and shortening the second syllable to /ri/ rather than /riː/. (2) Dropping the /w/ after /k/, producing /ˈkɪri/; keep the /w/ as a brief glide to connect /k/ to /ɪ/ smoothly. Practice with a three-beat model: KW-ɪ-ɚi, emphasizing the slight schwa in the middle. Listen to native pronunciation to feel the glide.
In US English, /ˈkwɪəri/ with a rhotics best heard as /ɚ/ in some regions, and an acute first syllable. UK speakers often produce /ˈkwɪəri/ or /ˈkwɪə.ri/ with less rhotic influence and a clearer /ɪə/ sequence. Australian pronunciation tends to maintain a rhotic-like /ɹ/ with brighter vowel values like /ˈkwɪəri/ and a slightly broader /ɪə/ glide. Across all, the key is the /kw/ onset and the unstressed middle vowel resembling /ɪə/ or /iə/, followed by a final /ri/.
The difficulty lies in the diphthong sequence and the subtle glide from /k/ to /w/ into /ɪə/ or /iə/. Learners often mispronounce the middle vowel, saying /kjuəri/ or dropping the /w/ entirely, which changes the word’s clarity. The transition between /ɪ/ and /ə/ or /ɪə/ requires precise tongue positioning and lip rounding. Mastery comes from practicing the three-step sequence: K- W- Iə, then the final r- i. Focus on the subtle schwa insertion between the first and second syllables.
The word has no silent letters, but the stress pattern places primary stress on the first syllable: Q-WER-ee. The middle vowel often sounds like a reduced schwa or a light /ɪə/ depending on rhythm and accent. The challenge isn’t silent letters but maintaining a crisp /w/ blend with /k/ and ensuring the /ri/ at the end doesn’t become a clipped /riː/ in casual speech. Focus on keeping the middle vowel short and the final /ri/ clear.
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Query originates from the Old French querie (late 13th century), from querer meaning to seek, from Latin quaerere meaning to seek, inquire. The noun form in English emerged in the 14th century as a disputed or questioned matter and evolved into the modern meaning of a question or request for information. By the 16th century, “query” was commonly used in scholarly and clerical contexts to indicate a formal question presented for consideration. In the realm of information retrieval, the term gained prominence in computing and database contexts in the mid-20th century, paralleling the rise of structured data queries (SQL). Across usage, the core sense remains a request for information or clarification, with modern contexts expanding to digital queries, search queries, and data queries in various technical domains.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Query" and can often be used interchangeably.
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Words that rhyme with "Query"
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