ROW-zing
/ˈɹaʊzɪŋ/
rousing is pronounced ROW-zing (/ˈɹaʊzɪŋ/). Rousing is an adjective describing something that evokes strong emotions or energy, often stirring enthusiasm or excitement. It can also describe a person who is stirring or awakening; context usually centers on performances, speeches, or moments that lift spirits. The term implies vivid, motivating impact and can function as a vivid, active descriptor in both formal and informal usage.
Rousing is an adjective describing something that evokes strong emotions or energy, often stirring enthusiasm or excitement. It can also describe a person who is stirring or awakening; context usually centers on performances, speeches, or moments that lift spirits. The term implies vivid, motivating impact and can function as a vivid, active descriptor in both formal and informal usage.
"The speech delivered a rousing call to action that energized the crowd."
"Her rousing performance brought the audience to its feet."
"We listened to a rousing anthem that united everyone in the room."
Pronounce as ROUGH-ING with the rhotic first syllable: /ˈraʊ.zɪŋ/ in IPA. The first syllable features the diphthong /aʊ/ as in 'how', followed by a clear /z/ and the unstressed /ɪŋ/ ending. Keep the tongue high and the lips rounded slightly for /aʊ/ and bring the teeth together for the /z/ sound. Stress on the first syllable is essential: ROUS-ing. Audio reference: consult standard dictionaries or pronunciation sites for native-speaker samples.
Common errors include: mispronouncing the /aʊ/ diphthong as a simple /a/ or /ɔː/ (say /aʊ/ as in 'out'), and devoicing the final /ŋ/ or slurring /z/ into /s/. Another pitfall is stressing the second syllable instead of the first. Correct by shaping /aɪ/ style diphthong mouth position, ensuring /z/ is voiced, and keeping the final -ing as a clean /ɪŋ/ with a light nasal. Practice with minimal pairs to consolidate the /aʊ/ and /z/ timing.
US/UK/AU share /ˈraʊ.zɪŋ/ with the same rhoticity in vowels, but rhotics and /z/ quality may differ slightly. In some UK dialects, the /r/ is less pronounced or non-rhotic in certain positions, but since /r/ is not explicitly present in /ˈraʊ/ it’s mostly the following vowel length and nasalization differences. Australian speakers tend to have a slightly more open /aʊ/ with subtle lip rounding. Overall stress and the /z/ remain clear across accents.
The difficulty lies in the blended onset /raʊ/ where the /aʊ/ is a rising diphthong requiring precise lip movement and tongue height. The /z/ is voiced and must be clearly distinguished from /s/. Finally, the ending /ɪŋ/ requires a light nasal release without overemphasizing the vowel. Mastery needs careful practice with steady airflow, clear voicing, and consistent syllable timing across contexts.
Does 'rousing' ever function as a noun or gerund? In everyday usage it primarily remains an adjective, as in 'a rousing speech.' When used as a noun in formal contexts, you might encounter a compound noun like 'a rousing of spirits' though rare. The standard, most natural use is attributive or predicative adjective modifying events or performances.
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The word rousing derives from the verb arouse, which comes from the Old French arousier, itself from aLatinized form arousier meaning to wake, awaken, or stir up. The modern English arouse appeared in the 14th century, and rousing developed as a present participle adjective around the 16th century to describe things that awaken or stimulate. The core semantic shift centers on intense stirring of emotion or energy; by metaphor, to “rouse” means to wake from sleep, but in usage it amplifies to excitement, zeal, or motivation. Early senses often referred to physical awakening or awakening of feeling, and by the 1800s it had acquired broader figurative uses for speeches, music, or performances that provoke enthusiasm. Across centuries, the word retained a dynamic connotation—something that not only wakes attention but also mobilizes action or passion. Modern usage commonly frames events, performances, or ideas as “rousing” when they captivate and rally audiences.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "rousing" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "rousing" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "rousing"
-ing sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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