How to pronounce asterism
Say it like AS-tuh-riz-um. Asterism has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AS).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce asterism. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- AS
- tuh
- riz
- um
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Asterism pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ASSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- tuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- rizGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- umKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of asterism
American and British speakers say asterism in essentially the same way: /ˈæstəˌrɪzəm/ in the US and /ˈæstəˌrɪzəm/ in the UK.
British respelling: AS-tuh-riz-um.
What does asterism mean?
- An unofficial constellation (small group of stars that forms a visible pattern).“The Big Dipper, Summer Triangle, and Orion's Belt are asterisms.”
- A rarely used typographical symbol of three asterisks arranged in a triangle, ⁂, used to call attention to a passage or to separate subchapters in a book. Distinct from a dinkus which also uses asterisks to separate.
- A star-shaped figure exhibited by some crystals by reflected light (as in a star sapphire) or by transmitted light (as in some mica).
Questions about saying asterism
How do you pronounce asterism?
Say AS-tuh-riz-um. The American pronunciation is /ˈæstəˌrɪzəm/. In British English it is /ˈæstəˌrɪzəm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in asterism?
Asterism has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AS). Broken into parts: AS · tuh · riz · um.
Do Americans and Brits say asterism the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈæstəˌrɪzəm/ and the British form is /ˈæstəˌrɪzəm/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.