English pronunciation · Words Starting with C

Chivalry Pronunciation

Chivalry is pronounced SHI-vuhl-ree, IPA /ˈʃɪvəlri/.

SHI-vuhl-ree

US /ˈʃɪvəlri/  ·  UK /ˈtʃɪvəlri/

Syllables: SHI · vuhl · ree (3 syllables, stress on syllable 1)

noun: The medieval code of knightly conduct, or courteous behaviour towards others.

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Chivalry in a Sentence

  • The poem is a study in chivalry and its limits.
  • A small act of chivalry at the ticket barrier.
  • Chivalry required a knight to protect the weak.

Common Mispronunciations of Chivalry

Not chi-VAL-ree

The beat stays on the opening syllable and never moves. A loud middle makes it sound like the unrelated word rivalry.

Not KI-vuhl-ree

The ch comes through French here, so it is a sh sound rather than a hard k. Chivalrous does the same.

Tip: American speakers say SHI-vuhl-ree and many British speakers CHI-vuhl-ree, both with the beat at the front.

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