English pronunciation · Words Starting with B
Brief Pronunciation
Brief is pronounced BREEF, IPA /ˈbrif/.
BREEF
US /ˈbrif/ · UK /ˈbriːf/
Syllables: BREEF (1 syllable)
adjective, noun and verb: Lasting only a short time, or a set of instructions given to someone.
Audio for the American and British pronunciations plays on this page with JavaScript enabled.
Brief in a Sentence
- He made a brief statement and left.
- The brief was two pages long.
- She will brief the team before lunch.
Common Mispronunciations of Brief
Not BRYF
Chief and thief rhyme with this word, so the ie gives a long ee rather than the i of life.
Not BREEV
The f at the end stays breathy, and letting it buzz produces the unrelated breve.
Tip: Briefs are also underwear and a barrister's papers, and the vowel holds for every sense.
More words starting with b · Every word in the pronunciation guide