English pronunciation · Words Starting with S
Surplus Pronunciation
Surplus is pronounced SUR-pluhs, IPA /ˈsɝpləs/.
SUR-pluhs
US /ˈsɝpləs/ · UK /ˈsɜːpləs/
Syllables: SUR · pluhs (2 syllables, stress on syllable 1)
noun and adjective: An amount left over after needs have been met.
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Surplus in a Sentence
- The council ran a small surplus last year.
- Surplus stock goes to the outlet shop.
- We have a surplus of chairs and a shortage of tables.
Common Mispronunciations of Surplus
Not sur-PLUHS
SUR carries everything and pluhs behind it is unstressed. Surpass is the near neighbour that does put its weight on the second half.
Not SUR-ploos
That us ending has no oo in it. English reduces it to uhs in every word of this shape, as campus and circus show.
Tip: Surplus means more than enough, and surplice is the white robe worn in church. They are said the same way.
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