/ɹɪˈmɑɹks/
Say it backRemarks is a plural noun or verb form meaning comments or observations made in speaking or writing. As a noun, it refers to statements made; as a verb, it means to give brief comments or mention. Pronounced with a stressed first syllable, it typically functions in formal or informal discourse to note commentary or observations about someone or something.
"The board members offered sharp remarks about the proposal."
"Her remarks during the briefing clarified several complex points."
"He made a few remarks about the weather before starting the meeting."
US: /rɪˈmɑːrks/; UK/AU: /rɪˈmɑːks/ or /rɪˈmɑːks/ depending on speaker. The primary stress is on the second syllable. Start with a light /r/ release, then a clear vowel in the second syllable, and end with the /ks/ cluster. Lip rounding is modest; the /ɑː/ vowel in many varieties is a long open back vowel. Ensure the /r/ is not silent and avoid an overly strong /m/ transition. Listen for the lengthened second vowel in British and Australian speech.
Two common errors: (1) Slurring the final /ks/ into a simple /s/ or /z/ sound, which softens the word; ensure the /k/ release is audible before the /s/. (2) Treating /rɪˈmɑːrks/ as /ˈrimɑrks/ by over-aspirating the second syllable; keep a steady /ɪ/ or /ɪə/ onset and avoid shifting to a full /æ/ in some accents. Correct by focusing on the second syllable’s vowel length and crisp final cluster.
US: stronger rhotic r; secondary stress pattern consistent with /ɪˈmɑːrks/ with a more pronounced /ɹ/; UK/AU: less rhotic influence in some regions, but most speakers retain rhoticity; vowel length /ɑː/ can be longer in UK/AU; some Australian speakers may reduce the second vowel slightly and produce a flatter /ɒ/ in some dialects. The final /ks/ retains crisp pronunciation in all, but some UK speakers may voice the /s/ slightly more.
It combines a word-final /ks/ cluster with a stressed mid vowel in the second syllable, making timing crucial. The /r/ before the vowel in US English is pronounced with a clear rhotic flap, while in some UK/AU varieties the /r/ is not as strong. The risk is blurring the /mɑː/ with the /r/ and /ks/ if you run the syllables together. Focus on the vowel length in /ɑː/ and a crisp /ks/ release.
In remarks, the second syllable carries the primary stress and the vowel is a long /ɑː/. Some speakers reduce the /ɪ/ in the first syllable to a quick /ɪ/ or even a schwa in rapid speech while maintaining clarity on the stress pattern. The trick is keeping the /r/ and /m/ distinct from the following /ɑː/ and ensuring the /r/ does not coalesce with /m/.
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Remarks comes from the verb phrase remark, from Middle English remarken, borrowed from Old French remarquer, meaning to notice, observe, or remark. The root is Latin recordari through Romance languages, with the sense evolving from to mention or note something for attention, to a formal or informal statement. In English, remark as a noun appears in the 16th century to denote an observation or remark of note; as a verb, it retains the sense of noting or calling attention to something. Over time, the noun form broadened to include brief statements, commentary, or aside comments in conversation and writing. The plural form remarks has been in use since early modern English to indicate multiple comments, whether spoken or written, in gatherings, op-ed pieces, or academic discussions. The word depth in discourse relates to rhetorical emphasis—remarks can be critical, supportive, or neutral—depending on context and tone. Its historical usage spans legal, political, and editorial language, where remarks may signal endorsement, critique, or clarification. In contemporary usage, remarks are cited, summarized, or paraphrased, emphasizing the importance of precise articulation and diction to convey nuance and intention.
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Words that rhyme with "remarks"
-rks sounds
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