How to pronounce agnostic
Say it like ag-NAH-stik. Agnostic has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (NAH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce agnostic. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ag
- NAH
- stik
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Agnostic pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- agKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- NAHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- stikKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of agnostic
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: ag-NOS-tik.
What does agnostic mean?
- A person who holds to a form of agnosticism, especially uncertainty of the existence of a deity.
- Doubtful or uncertain about the existence or demonstrability of God or other deity.“She left the church when she had become agnostic.”
- Having no firmly held opinions on something.“I'm agnostic on whether ethanol is a green fuel.”
- Of or relating to agnosticism or its adherents.“His agnostic viewpoint is summarized in his book.”
Where does agnostic come from?
Coined by Thomas Henry Huxley in 1870.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
- gnostic
Words that rhyme with agnostic
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of agnostic.
Questions about saying agnostic
How do you pronounce agnostic?
Say ag-NAH-stik. The American pronunciation is /æɡˈnɑstɪk/. In British English it is /æɡˈnɒstɪk/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in agnostic?
Agnostic has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (NAH). Broken into parts: ag · NAH · stik.
Is agnostic pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /æɡˈnɒstɪk/ (ag-NOS-tik).