Consonant Contrast
How to Pronounce worth vs worse
Key Pronunciation Contrast
‘Worth’ ends with ⁄θ⁄ (⁄wɝːθ⁄); ‘worse’ ends with /s/ (⁄wɝːs⁄).
Contrast: Final ⁄θ⁄ vs /s/
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worth
⁄wɜːrθ⁄
Syllables
WORTH
Definition:
Having a value of; proper to be exchanged for.
“How much / What is your house worth? - Now it's worth half what I paid for it. So it'd sure would be worthwhile to repair before putting it for sale.”
“Your exam results are worse than before.”
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Frequently Asked Questions: worth vs worse
What is the difference in pronunciation between "worth" and "worse"?
‘Worth’ ends with ⁄θ⁄ (⁄wɝːθ⁄); ‘worse’ ends with /s/ (⁄wɝːs⁄).
Where does the syllable stress fall in "worth" vs "worse"?
"worth" has 1 syllable(s) (worth) with stress on "WORTH". "worse" has 1 syllable(s) (worse) with stress on "WORSE".
Why do English learners often confuse "worth" and "worse"?
Learners frequently confuse them due to the close sound contrast: Final ⁄θ⁄ vs /s/. In rapid spoken English, context and vowel duration are the primary differentiators.
What are example sentences for "worth" and "worse"?
Example for "worth": "How much / What is your house worth? - Now it's worth half what I paid for it. So it'd sure would be worthwhile to repair before putting it for sale." Example for "worse": "Your exam results are worse than before."