4 syllables: Re, vo, ca, ble. Stress on Re.
REV-uh-kuh-buhl
/ˈɹɛvəkəbəl/
Revocable is pronounced REV-uh-kuh-buhl (/ˈɹɛvəkəbəl/). It has four syllables (Re-vo-ca-ble), with the stress on "Re". Revocable is an adjective describing something that can be withdrawn, canceled, or annulled by a later action or decision. It applies to legal instruments, agreements, or arrangements that are subject to modification or reversal. The term emphasizes the potential reversibility of the effect or grant. Typical use is in formal or legal contexts.
adjectiveRevocable is an adjective describing something that can be withdrawn, canceled, or annulled by a later action or decision. It applies to legal instruments, agreements, or arrangements that are subject to modification or reversal. The term emphasizes the potential reversibility of the effect or grant. Typical use is in formal or legal contexts.
"The revocable trust allows the grantor to modify its terms during their lifetime."
"She signed a revocable agreement, aware that either party could withdraw with notice."
"A revocable license can be terminated by the issuer at any time."
Phonetically, it's /rɪˈvɒkəbəl/ in UK English and /rɪˈvɑːkəbəl/ in US English, with the main stress on the second syllable. Break it as re-VO-ca-ble. Start with a short, unstressed “ri” then a strong secondary beat on the “VO” syllable, followed by a weak “ca,” and end with a light “ble.” Clip the final -ble as a soft syllable rather than a hard -bul.
Two frequent errors: misplacing stress (trying ‘re-VO-ka-ble’ with stress on the first syllable) and compressing the middle vowel, producing /rɪˈvækəbəl/ instead of /rɪˈvɒkəbəl/ or /rɪˈvɑːkəbəl/. To correct, stress the orthographic second syllable and ensure the middle vowel is a clear rounded back vowel (/ɒ/ in UK, /ɑː/ or /ɒ/ influenced variants in US). Finally, avoid pronouncing the final -ble as /bəl/ with strong b, instead reduce to a light, neutral /əl/.
In US English, it’s /rɪˈvɑːkəbəl/ with a broad /ɑː/ in the stressed syllable and rhotic r. UK English tends to use /rɪˈvɒkəbəl/ with a shorter /ɒ/ in the stressed syllable and non-rhotic r. Australian English often sits between, commonly /rɪˈvɒkəbəl/ or /rɪˈveɪkəbəl/, with some speakers flattening vowels and a light /ə/. The final -ble typically becomes /bəl/ in all, with subtle vowel reduction in rapid speech.
The main challenge is the mid vowel in the stressed syllable and the sequence -vok-; many learners mispronounce it as /rɪˈriːvəkəbəl/ or misplace the stress on the first syllable. The contrast between /ɒ/ (UK) and /ɑː/ (US) in the stressed syllable requires careful positioning of the back tongue and lip rounding. Also, the -ble ending often reduces to /əl/ in fluent speech, which can mask the intended /bəl/ timing.
There is no silent letter in revocable. All letters contribute to the phonetic sequence: /r/ /ɪ/ /ˈvɒ/ /k/ /ə/ /b/ /əl/. The tricky parts are the reduced schwa sounds in unstressed positions and the subtle ity of the final /əl/. Emphasize the second syllable stress to reveal the pronunciation pattern clearly.
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Revocable derives from the Latin revocabilis, formed from the verb revocare meaning to call back, recall, or withdraw. The root revoc- comes from re- (back, again) + voc- (call, voice). The suffix -abilis indicates capability or ability. The word entered legal and formal English through French influence, with revocable appearing in the sense of rights or instruments that can be revoked. Early uses surface in medieval and early modern legal documents describing revocable trusts, licenses, or acts. Over time, revocable gained broader adoption in contract law and governance, marking the distinction from irrevocable or permanent terms. The evolution reflects a legal philosophy where certain obligations or privileges remain subject to the will of a principal party, until they are irrevocably fixed by law or by explicit unequivocal action. First known uses appear in 16th- to 18th-century legal texts in both English and French-derived legal language, with the sense crystallizing around the capability to revoke rather than the obligation to perform.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Revocable" and can often be used interchangeably.
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Words that rhyme with "Revocable"
-ble sounds
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