WUR-did
/ˈwɝdɪd/
worded is pronounced WUR-did (/ˈwɝdɪd/). Worded is the past-tense/participial form of word (to express in words). It indicates that something has been phrased or expressed in a particular way. In usage, it often appears as “he worded the statement carefully” or “the instructions were poorly worded.” The term is common in editing, writing, and communication contexts, and can also imply the wording chosen was deliberate or crafted.
Worded is the past-tense/participial form of word (to express in words). It indicates that something has been phrased or expressed in a particular way. In usage, it often appears as “he worded the statement carefully” or “the instructions were poorly worded.” The term is common in editing, writing, and communication contexts, and can also imply the wording chosen was deliberate or crafted.
"- She worded the email carefully to avoid ambiguity."
"- The contract was worded in a way that favored the seller."
"- He worded his response to sound polite but firm."
Pronounce it as WOR-ded. Primary stress on the first syllable: /ˈwɜːr.dɪd/ in US/UK/AU variants. The first vowel is a mid-central /ɜː/ or /ɜ/ depending on accent, followed by a light /r/ if rhotic varieties are used. The second syllable is a short /ɪ/ with a final clear /d/. In connected speech, you may hear the /r/ become weaker or avoided in non-rhotic accents, giving /ˈwɜːdɪd/.”,
Two common errors: (1) Pronouncing the second syllable as 'word-ED' with a heavy mid vowel; correct is a short /ɪ/ as in 'hid.' (2) Dropping the /d/ at the end or making it sound like 'word-uh' or 'word-erd'. Correction: keep a final /d/, with light tongue tip contact and a brief stop. Focus on the /ɜː/ in the first syllable and ensure the /r/ is not overemphasized unless your dialect requires it. Practicing with minimal pairs like ‘word’ vs ‘worded’ can help keep the ending clear.
In US and UK rhotic varieties, the first syllable carries /ɜː/ or /ɜr/ with a pronounced r in US; in non-rhotic UK varieties, the /r/ is not pronounced unless before a vowel, subtly affecting linking. Australian English tends toward a non-rhotic /r/ with a lighter /ɜː/ sound and some vowel length differences. Overall, the main variation is the rhoticity of /ɜːr/ in the first syllable and fluency of the /d/ release at the end. Practicing the word in isolation and in sentences helps you hear the subtle US /r/ vs UK non-rhotic characteristics.
The challenge lies in the sequence /ˈwɜːr.dɪd/ with a distinct stressed first syllable, a rhotic or non-rhotic /r/ quality, and a clipped final /d/. Many speakers also reduce the second syllable’s vowel to a schwa or a lax /ɪ/ depending on speed, which can blur the final /d/. Mastery requires precise articulation of the first syllable’s vowel and proper release of the final consonant for natural, clear speech.
Yes. In fast speech, the /ɜː/ can be shortened toward a centralized vowel /ɜ/ or even reduced toward a neutral schwa /ə/, especially before a voiceless consonant like /t/ or /d/ when adjacent. To keep it distinct, practice slow to normal tempo focusing on the /ɜːr/ blend, then progress to a light, quick release while maintaining the contrast to /wɜrd/ in isolation.
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Worded derives from word, with the common English suffix -ed that marks past tense or past participles. The lexical root word originates from Old English word (semantically aligned with modern Germanic languages), which itself traces back to Proto-Germanic *wurdaną, related to the verb ‘to speak, say’ sense of arranging phrases. Over time, English shifted “word” from a concrete noun to a verb meaning ‘to put into words’ or ‘to phrase.’ The participial suffix -ed attached to the verb form indicates completed action or the state resulting from a prior action. In printing and editing, “worded” emerged as a precise descriptor for how something has been word-choice or phrasing. First known uses appear in Middle English texts where writers described wording of instructions or statements, evolving through Early Modern English to modern usage where “worded” is a standard past tense/participial form used across formal writing and casual speech. The semantic extension from “to word” as “to choose words” to “to phrase” kept emphasis on deliberate phrasing, which is why you’ll often see it in contexts about clarity, formality, or intent.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "worded" and can often be used interchangeably.
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Words that rhyme with "worded"
-ded sounds
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