Vase Rhymes With Different Words on Each Side of the Atlantic
A vase is a decorative vessel for flowers. Its pronunciation splits sharply by country.
A vase is an ornamental vessel, usually for holding cut flowers. Its pronunciation is one of the clearest transatlantic markers: standard British English rhymes it with *cars*, standard American with *face* or sometimes *jaws*. The British version is closer to the French original, and the divergence arose because the word entered general English use in the eighteenth century when French pronunciation carried prestige in Britain. Latin *vas* means a vessel, and gives *vessel* itself and *vascular*.
- A flower vessel. *A glass vase.*
- An ornamental jar. *A Greek vase.*
- Vessel — the same root. *A vessel.*
- Vascular — of vessels. *Vascular.*
- Latin — *vas*, a vessel. *The root.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | vase | A vase. |
| Plural | vases | Vases. |
| Related | vessel | A vessel. |
| Related | vascular | Vascular. |
| Latin | vas | A vessel. |
- She filled the vase.Object.
- British rhymes with cars.Pronunciation.
- Vas means a vessel.Etymology.
Words that split the Atlantic
- Vase — rhymes with cars or with face
- Herb — British sounds the h, American does not
- Schedule — shed-yule or sked-yule
- Aluminium — different spelling and syllable count
- Tomato — the classic example
French *vase*, from Latin *vas*, a vessel or container.
Which pronunciation of vase is correct?
Both. British English rhymes it with cars, American with face. The British version is closer to the French.
Is vessel related to vase?
Yes. Both come from Latin vas, a container, as does vascular.