How to pronounce anesthetic
Say it like an-us-THET-ik. Anesthetic has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (THET).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce anesthetic. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- an
- us
- THET
- ik
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Anesthetic pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- anGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- usKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- THETSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- ikKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of anesthetic
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: an-us-THET-ik.
What does anesthetic mean?
- A substance administered to reduce the perception of pain or to induce numbness for surgery and may render the recipient unconscious.
- Causing anesthesia; reducing pain sensitivity.
- Insensate: unable to feel, or unconscious.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with anesthetic
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of anesthetic.
Words that sound like anesthetic
Questions about saying anesthetic
How do you pronounce anesthetic?
Say an-us-THET-ik. The American pronunciation is /ˌænəsˈθɛtɪk/. In British English it is /ˌænəsˈθɛtɪk/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in anesthetic?
Anesthetic has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (THET). Broken into parts: an · us · THET · ik.
Is anesthetic pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t. The British form is /ˌænəsˈθɛtɪk/ (an-us-THET-ik).
What words sound the same as anesthetic?
Anesthetic sounds the same as anaesthetic in American English. The spelling and meaning are what tell them apart.