How to pronounce atavism
Say it like AT-uh-viz-um. Atavism has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AT).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce atavism. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- AT
- uh
- viz
- um
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Atavism pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ATSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- vizGive 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 atavism
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: AT-uh-viz-um.
What does atavism mean?
- The reappearance of an ancestral characteristic in an organism after several generations of absence; a throwback.
- The recurrence or reversion to a past behavior, method, characteristic or style after a long period of absence.
- A reversion to past primitive behavior, especially violence.
Where does atavism come from?
Borrowed from French atavisme..
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying atavism
How do you pronounce atavism?
Say AT-uh-viz-um. The American pronunciation is /ˈætəˌvɪzəm/. In British English it is /ˈætəˌvɪzəm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in atavism?
Atavism has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AT). Broken into parts: AT · uh · viz · um.
Is atavism 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 /ˈætəˌvɪzəm/ (AT-uh-viz-um).