How to Pronounce "variety"
The correct pronunciation of "variety" is vuh-RY-uh-tee /vəˈraɪ.ə.ti/. Tap play to hear it, say it into your mic for a free clarity check, and fix the "VAIR-ee-ty" habit for good.
variety
/vəˈraɪ.ə.ti/A number of different types of things; diversity.
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Record yourself saying “variety” and get a real, AI-graded pronunciation score with word-by-word feedback — free, no account needed.The Indian-English Mistake: "VAIR-ee-ty" — and the Fix
| Aspect | Common in India (incorrect) | Correct |
|---|---|---|
| Sounds like | Saying "VAIR-ee-ty" in three syllables, or "var-EYE-ty" with a heavy first syllable. | vuh-RY-uh-tee /vəˈraɪ.ə.ti/ |
| Stress | Often on the wrong syllable | Second syllable (RY). |
How Do You Pronounce "variety"?
"variety" is pronounced vuh-RY-uh-tee /vəˈraɪ.ə.ti/. The stress is on the second syllable (RY). As a noun, it means a number of different types of things; diversity.
Four syllables with stress on "RY" (rhymes with "my"): vuh-RY-uh-tee.
Listen for the stressed syllable and copy its rhythm — getting the stress right matters more than any single sound.
Say "variety" Step by Step
Break the word down, get the stress right, then blend it back together at normal speed. Repeat each step out loud three times.
Break it into syllables
vuh-RY-uh-tee — say each part slowly and separately first.
Stress the right part
Second syllable (RY). Make the stressed syllable a little louder and longer.
Nail the key sound
Four syllables with stress on "RY" (rhymes with "my"): vuh-RY-uh-tee.
Blend and repeat
Now say "variety" at normal speed: vuh-RY-uh-tee. Record yourself and compare.
Minimal-Pair Drills for "variety" (2 Minutes, Out Loud)
Say each drill line aloud, slowly first, then at normal speed. On the last drill, use the mic check at the top of this page to test yourself.
say society → suh-SY-uh-tee → vuh-RY-uh-tee
Same four-beat music — stress lands on the second beat.
vuh → RY → uh → tee: vuh-RY-uh-tee
Shrink the first syllable to 'vuh'; RY rhymes with 'my'.
NOT VAIR-ee-ty — vuh-RY-uh-tee
Don't carry 'various' over — the noun changes both vowel and stress.
At speed: a variety of dishes
Four quick beats with RY on top, even in a phrase.
Why "variety" Is Tricky — and How to Fix It
Why this happens
The base word "various" (VAIR-ee-us) sets up the wrong vowel and stress for the noun.
Tip: Shrink the first syllable to "vuh", then hit "RY": vuh-RY-uh-tee — same music as "society" and "anxiety".
Hear “variety” in a Sentence
Read each line aloud with the same rhythm. The word to listen for is in bold.
The buffet offers a variety of dishes.
Practice a variety of speaking topics.
The store sells a wide variety of phones.
Words Related to "variety"
Related: society
Same pattern: suh-SY-uh-tee.
Now say it inside a sentence
Getting "variety" right on its own is the easy part. Pronunciation only sticks in connected speech. Read a passage aloud and get scored on accuracy and pace, word by word — free, no login.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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