How Do You Spell BOVARY?

Pronunciation: [bˈɒvəɹi] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "bovary" may seem unusual at first glance. However, the phonetic transcription reveals its origins. The word comes from the surname of the main character in Gustave Flaubert's novel Madame Bovary. The correct pronunciation of "bovary" is /bɔvəri/. The "o" is pronounced with an open "ɔ" sound similar to "hot" or "not." The "a" is pronounced with a schwa "ə" sound, and the stress is on the second syllable. Knowing the pronunciation of "bovary" can help those struggling with its spelling.