VAL-yooz
/ˈvæljuz/
values is pronounced VAL-yooz (/ˈvæljuz/). Values denotes the beliefs or principles that guide a person’s decisions and actions, or the numerical worth assigned to something (as in data values or stock values). It represents what is regarded as important, often forming a framework for judgment and behavior. In plural form, it can refer to multiple guiding principles or data item quantities.
Values denotes the beliefs or principles that guide a person’s decisions and actions, or the numerical worth assigned to something (as in data values or stock values). It represents what is regarded as important, often forming a framework for judgment and behavior. In plural form, it can refer to multiple guiding principles or data item quantities.
"Her values emphasize honesty, responsibility, and compassion."
"The company’s core values influence its policies and culture."
"In math, the data values ranged from 3 to 27."
In US/UK/AU, values is two syllables with primary stress on the first: /ˈvæl.juːz/ (US) and /ˈvæl.juːz/ (UK/AU). The first vowel is a short a as in 'cat', the second is a long 'you' sound, and the final 'z' is voiced. In careful speech you might hear the liaison between /l/ and /j/ making /ˈvæl.juːz/. Try slowly: VAL-yooz, then speed up maintaining the /j/ glide.
Common errors: (1) Pronouncing as two one-syllable units: 'VAL-us' by reducing /juː/ to a short /u/; (2) De-voicing the final z to s: end up with 'VAL-yus' instead of 'VAL-yooz'; (3) Misplacing stress or weakening the second syllable; correction: maintain primary stress on first syllable and ensure the second syllable retains /juː/ and final voiced /z/. Practice with a clear /j/ glide and vocal cord vibration on /z/.
US tends to have /ˈvæl.juːz/ with a clearer /juː/ and rhoticity does not affect this word much. UK often has a similar /ˈvæl.juːz/ but with a slightly tighter vowel in some regions; AU mirrors US but may feature a broader diphthong in some speakers. The key is the stressed first syllable and the /juː/ glide; non-rhotic variants don’t alter the written z. Listen for the final voiced /z/ in all accents.
The difficulty centers on the /juː/ glide following the /l/ and the final /z/. People often insert a schwa or omit the y-glide, producing VAL-üs or VAL-yoo-s. The transition from /l/ to /j/ requires careful tongue movement: lift the tongue to create the /j/ before the /uː/; then activate the voicing for /z/. Practicing with a slow, held /juː/ helps stabilize the sequence.
A unique consideration is maintaining the two distinct phonemes /l/ and /j/ in close proximity: /ˈvæl/ + /juːz/. Many learners merge them or skip the /j/; focus on a crisp /l/ contact with the alveolar ridge, then quickly raise the middle of the tongue to pronounce /j/ and start the /uː/ vowel. Keep the final /z/ voiced by gently constricting the vocal cords. This sequence is what gives values its characteristic flow.
🗣️ Voice search tip: These questions are optimized for voice search. Try asking your voice assistant any of these questions about "values"!
US: stressed first syllable, clear /juː/; UK: similar, with sometimes a tighter /æ/; AU: often a slightly broader vowel and a crisp /z/. Emphasize the /l/ before /j/ and maintain voicing for /z/. IPA references: /ˈvæl.juːz/ across accents; pay attention to rhoticity or lack thereof not affecting this word much.
Values traces to the Middle English value, from Old French valeur, from Latin valor, meaning strength, worth, or courage. The word entered English around the 13th century, originally tied to intrinsic worth or price. By the 14th–15th centuries, value broadened to denote moral value and principles, as in “the values of a society.” The numeric sense (quantities, data values) developed later with mathematical and scientific usage. Throughout its evolution, the term retained core senses of worth and importance, expanding to abstract virtues and measurable quantities. The plural form values often indicates multiple worth judgments (values as ideals) or multiple data points (values as numbers). In modern usage, “values” overrides single-item worth and frequently pairs with “core,” “cultural,” or “ethical” to specify the domain of worth. First known use evidence comes from Middle English texts citing moral and monetary worth in civic discourse, with Latin roots persisting in scholarly and church Latin traditions.
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
Help others use "values" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "values" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "values" 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 "values"
-les 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.
See how this word is used in our articles
