the pen is mightier than the sword
the PEN iz MY-tee-er than the SORD
ðə pɛn ɪz ˈmaɪtiər ðæn ðə sɔːrdListen
Hear it in a clear American voice. Slow it down to catch each syllable.
Syllable breakdown
Dictionary meaning
the assertion that written communication, persuasion, and ideas exercise more lasting and powerful influence over human affairs than military force or physical violence; the phrase was coined by Edward Bulwer-Lytton in his 1839 play Richelieu and has become one of the most widely quoted proverbs in the English language; it is invoked to argue for the primacy of journalism, literature, and intellectual discourse as agents of historical change, and to honour the courage of writers and reporters who challenge power with words rather than weapons
People also look up
Brayk the ice
Hit the nayl on the hed
UN-der the WETH-er
Peess of kayk
Learn one new pronunciation a day
Get a word, name or idiom like “the pen is mightier than the sword” in your inbox — daily or weekly, free. Unsubscribe any time.