2 syllables: Re, gis. Stress on Re.
REE-jis
/ˈɹidʒɪs/
Regis is pronounced REE-jis (/ˈɹidʒɪs/). It has two syllables (Re-gis), with the stress on "Re". Regis is a proper noun often used as a surname or place name. It refers to a family name of Latin origin or to institutions and brands bearing the title Regis (e.g., Regis University). In pronunciation, it typically stresses the first syllable and preserves a clear vowel sound in each syllable, yielding a two- or three-syllable articulation depending on usage.
nounRegis is a proper noun often used as a surname or place name. It refers to a family name of Latin origin or to institutions and brands bearing the title Regis (e.g., Regis University). In pronunciation, it typically stresses the first syllable and preserves a clear vowel sound in each syllable, yielding a two- or three-syllable articulation depending on usage.
How to Pronounce Regis
"Regis University offers a wide range of programs across multiple campuses."
"The Regis family name appears on historic documents from the 16th century."
"She studied at Regis College before transferring to a larger university."
Regis is pronounced REE-jis, with the primary stress on the first syllable. IPA: US/UK/AU: /ˈriː.dʒɪs/. Begin with an open, rounded front vowel for 'ree', then a voiced palato-alveolar affricate for the 'ji' as in 'judge', and end with a short, lax 's' sound. Try to keep the first syllable slightly longer than the second in careful speech. Audio examples can be found on standard dictionaries and pronunciation resources by searching for 'Regis pronunciation'.
Common errors include saying 'REEGIS' with a long 'i' in the second syllable or mispronouncing the 'g' as a hard 'g' like 'go'. Some speakers also flatten the second syllable to 'ris' without the clear 'j' consonant. Correct by ensuring the 'ji' is a single affricate sound /dʒ/ and that the second syllable is lighter: /ˈriː.dʒɪs/.
Across US, UK, and AU, the main variance is vowel quality in the first syllable and rhoticity. US/UK/AU share the /ˈriː.dʒɪs/ structure, but the preceding vowel may be slightly tenser in American speech and a touch more clipped in some UK dialects. The /dʒ/ sound remains the same, and non-rhotic varieties may have subtle vowel adjustments before an 'r' component when followed by consonants in connected speech.
The difficulty lies in the short, crisp /dʒ/ in the second segment and keeping the first syllable long without turning it into two distinct vowels. English speakers may also misplace stress or blend the syllables in connected speech, leading to /ˈriːrɪs/ or /ˈriːdʒɪz/. Focus on a clear /ˈriː/ followed by a quick /dʒɪs/ without adding extra vowel length.
A unique feature is the juxtaposition of a long 'ee' vowel and the affricate 'j' sound that requires precise tongue position. Practice keeping your tongue blade close to the palate to release the /dʒ/ cleanly, avoiding a delayed or softened release that can blur into /r/ or /z/. The stress remains on the first syllable, with the second syllable reduced slightly in fast speech.
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US differences: more rhoticity; vowels in 'REE' have a slightly higher, tenser quality. UK differences: sometimes shorter second syllable; more clipped intonation in rapid speech. AU differences: similar to US, but with more vowel variability in casual speech. IPA references: /ˈriː.dʒɪs/. Pay attention to the palato-alveolar affricate /dʒ/ and the clean /s/ at the end. Practice with slow, then gradual speed; keep the first syllable longer than the second in careful speech, but reduce length in fast conversation.
Regis derives from Latin regis, the genitive form of rex, meaning king. The root rex itself is Proto-Italic *hreks, connected to the Proto-Indo-European *hrey- meaning ‘to move, to steer’ in earlier semantic shifts, but lexically it is dominated by ‘king’ in Latin and in late Latin usage as a title or honorific. In medieval and early modern Europe, Regis appeared as a descriptor for people associated with kings or royal offices. It evolved into a surname in many European regions, often indicating service to a king, landholding under royal sanction, or ownership by a royal household. As a place-name and institutional brand, Regis spread through colonization, church dedications, and educational establishments. In modern usage, Regis is frequently encountered as a surname, a university name, or a brand indicator, retaining the sense of prestige associated with royalty in many contexts. First known use as a family name appears in Latinized medieval records, with broader adoption in English-speaking regions by the 18th and 19th centuries, often during migrations and colonial administrations.
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Help others use "Regis" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "Regis" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Regis" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "Regis"
-gis sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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