2 syllables: Vir, go. Stress on Vir.
VUR-goh
/ˈvɝɡoʊ/
Virgo is pronounced VUR-goh (/ˈvɝɡoʊ/). It has two syllables (Vir-go), with the stress on "Vir". Virgo is a noun referring to the sixth sign of the zodiac, associated with meticulous nature and practicality. It also denotes a female virgin in classical astrology. In modern usage, it can refer to people born under this sign. The term originates from Latin, with mythological and astronomical associations shaping its meaning over time.
nounVirgo is a noun referring to the sixth sign of the zodiac, associated with meticulous nature and practicality. It also denotes a female virgin in classical astrology. In modern usage, it can refer to people born under this sign. The term originates from Latin, with mythological and astronomical associations shaping its meaning over time.
- You may insert an extra vowel between /ɜː/ and /g/ (avoid epenthesis). - You might mispronounce the final vowel as a short /o/ or /ə/; keep it as a clear diphthong /oʊ/ or /əʊ/ depending on accent. - Beginners often misplace vowel height, producing /vɜrɡoʊ/ with too much fronting; aim for a balanced back /ɜː/.
How to Pronounce Virgo
"I’m a Virgo, so I’m detail-oriented and organized."
"The Virgo in her chart emphasizes methodical thinking and service."
"He joked that the project would fail if a Virgo didn’t double-check every detail."
Phone it as /ˈvɜːrɡoʊ/ in US, /ˈvɜːɡəʊ/ in UK/AU. Start with a stressed first syllable VUR- with an open back unrounded vowel, then a single /ɡ/ stop, then a strong rounded or unstressed final /oʊ/ or /əʊ/. The mouth is relaxed, with the jaw dropping slightly for /ɜː/, and the tongue stays low-mid and retracted. Audio references: consult standard pronunciations from Cambridge/Oxford and Forvo for native speaker examples.
Common errors include treating the first syllable as a short /ɪ/ or /ɪə/ (saying 'VIR-go' or 'VIR-geh'), and softening the final vowel to an /ɪ/ or /i/. Correct it by using /ˈvɜːrɡoʊ/ US or /ˈvɜːɡəʊ/ UK/AU, ensuring the first syllable has /ɜː/ and the second is a clear /oʊ/ or /əʊ/. Keep the /r/ rhotic in US; non-rhotic UK often reduces the /r/ before a vowel, but Virgo typically keeps or lightly links the r depending on accent. Practicing with minimal pairs helps.
US English typically features a rhotic /r/ in the first syllable and a clear /oʊ/ in the second. UK and AU tend to be non-rhotic in many contexts, so the /r/ is less pronounced or silent before a vowel, with a final /əʊ/ or /oʊ/. Vowel quality for /ɜː/ in the first syllable is centralized in US and more rounded in UK/AU. Pay attention to linking: US might glide the final vowel more than UK.
The difficulty lies in balancing a mid-back vowel /ɜː/ in the stressed first syllable with a final diphthong /oʊ/ or /əʊ/. Non-native speakers often misplace the tongue for /ɜː/ or choose a short /ɜ/; others mispronounce the final /oʊ/ as a pure /o/ or /əʊ/. Tip: practice the exact mouth positions—start with a relaxed jaw, tongue mid-back, then glide from a lowered /ɜː/ to the rounded /oʊ/.
A distinctive feature is the transition from /ɜː/ to /ɡ/ without adding an extra vowel, which can tempt some speakers to insert a schwa between the /ɜː/ and /ɡ/ or to reduce the second syllable. Keep the second syllable strong with /oʊ/ (US) or /əʊ/ (UK/AU) and avoid breaking the cluster with an epenthetic vowel. This keeps Virgo sounding natural and precise.
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- US: rhotic /r/ in first syllable, clear /oʊ/ final; US tends to tense the vowel a bit and maintain the /r/ with slight retroflex. - UK: non-rhotic tendencies, final /əʊ/; lighter /r/, more centralized /ɜː/; final vowel less pronounced. - AU: similar to UK but with more distinct/generous vowel qualities, and often a more rounded /əʊ/. IPA anchors: US /ˈvɜːrɡoʊ/, UK/AU /ˈvɜːɡəʊ/.
Virgo comes from Latin Virgo, meaning ‘virgin’ or ‘maiden.’ In Roman astrology, Virgo was the sixth sign of the zodiac, symbolizing purity, precision, and service. The word’s root is proto-Italic *werkos or similar, tied to a broader Indo-European family meaning ‘man’ or ‘strong’ in some cognates, though in Virgo it specifically aligns with virginity or female chastity. The association with the zodiac dates to Hellenistic astronomy, where names of constellations were adopted into Latin as celestial signs. The first known use in English of Virgo as the zodiac sign appears in medieval manuscripts and early modern astrology texts, reflecting a long-standing tradition of characterizing personality traits by astrological signs. Over centuries, Virgo’s cultural footprint expanded from astrology to literature and popular culture, maintaining its core sense of order, practicality, and meticulousness. Today, Virgo remains a widely recognized sign, with its name carrying both astrological significance and classical mythological undertones connected to purity and service.
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
Help others use "Virgo" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "Virgo" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Virgo" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "Virgo"
-rgo sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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