2 syllables: Re, vel. Stress on Re.
REV-uhl
/ˈɹɛvəl/
Revel is pronounced REV-uhl (/ˈɹɛvəl/). It has two syllables (Re-vel), with the stress on "Re". Revel (noun): a lively and noisy celebration or party, often with dancing and music. It connotes public merrymaking or bright festive atmosphere. In addition to its noun use, revel can function as a verb meaning to take great pleasure in a lively celebration or experience.
nounRevel (noun): a lively and noisy celebration or party, often with dancing and music. It connotes public merrymaking or bright festive atmosphere. In addition to its noun use, revel can function as a verb meaning to take great pleasure in a lively celebration or experience.
- You might place emphasis on the second syllable (re-VEL). Keep the stress on the first syllable: /ˈrɛvəl/ and ensure a quick, light ending. - Don’t prolong the /ɛ/; keep it concise and move quickly to the /v/ and /əl/. - Don’t add extra consonants or substitute /l/ with a dark /ɫ/; keep a clear light /əl/ ending.
"The streets erupted in revel as the city crowned its new festival with parades and fireworks."
"She spent the evening in revel, dancing and laughing with friends at the charity gala."
"News coverage captured the revel after the championship win, with confetti and cheers filling the arena."
Pronounce it as /ˈrɛvəl/. The first syllable has a clear
Common errors include misplacing the stress (say re-VEL) or pronouncing it as /riˈvɛl/ with a long E in the first syllable; the correct vowel is short e /ɛ/ in the first syllable. Also avoid pronouncing it as a silent second syllable; keep both syllables voiced with a light, quick ending /əl/.
In US/UK/AU, /ˈrɛvəl/ remains consistent in vowel quality for the first syllable, but rhotic speakers may perceive a slightly rounded second syllable; UK accents maintain non-rhotic tendencies in careful speech but still pronounce the /l/ clearly. AU typically maintains /ˈrɛvəl/ with a relatively similar vowel to US; minor vowel duration differences may occur due to vowel length.”
The difficulty lies in maintaining the short /ɛ/ vowel in the stressed first syllable while producing a clear, relaxed /ə/ in the unstressed second syllable; many speakers add extra consonant or over-articulate the second syllable. Practicing with minimal pairs helps keep the rhythm even and prevents over-accenting the second syllable.
A unique feature is the stable two-syllable rhythm with primary stress on the first syllable, /ˈrɛvəl/. Ensure the second syllable is light and schwa-like /ə/ or a very reduced vowel, not a full “ell” sound; avoid vowel lengthening in the second syllable in casual speech.
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- US: /ˈrɛvəl/ with a rhotic, fairly neutral vowel for /ə/ in the second syllable. - UK: /ˈrɛvəl/ with crisp /l/ and no extensive rhoticity in careful speech; second syllable tends to be slightly lighter. - AU: /ˈrɛvəl/ with similar vowel quality to US, but may exhibit less distinction between /ə/ and /ʌ/ in casual speech; keep the second syllable reduced.
Revel derives from the Old French reveler, meaning to celebrate, party, or revel. The root reveler itself traces to medieval Latin revelare, from re- ‘again’ + velare ‘to veil, cover’—the sense shifting in Middle French to merrymaking, perhaps linked to festive processions and revelry reuniting groups. By the 14th century, English adopted Revel as a noun for public festivity, particularly in contexts of feasting and dancing. In later centuries, as English usage diversified, revel also appeared as a verb meaning to take intense pleasure in something, often a celebration or raucous activity. The word’s semantic arc moves from communal festivity to individual enjoyment, retaining strong connotations of exuberance and social thrill. In modern usage, Revel commonly appears in phrases like “revel in” or “revelry,” reinforcing its festive, celebratory essence across both formal and informal registers.
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
Help others use "Revel" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "Revel" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Revel" and show contrast in usage.
📚 Vocabulary tip: Learning synonyms and antonyms helps you understand nuanced differences in meaning and improves your word choice in speaking and writing.
Words that rhyme with "Revel"
-vel sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
🎵 Rhyme tip: Practicing with rhyming words helps you master similar sound patterns and improves your overall pronunciation accuracy.
