How to pronounce atavistic
Say it like at-uh-VIS-tik. Atavistic has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (VIS).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce atavistic. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- at
- uh
- VIS
- tik
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Atavistic pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- atKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- VISSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- tikKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of atavistic
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: at-uh-VIS-tik.
What does atavistic mean?
- Of the recurrence of a trait reappearing after an absence of one or more generations due to a chance recombination of genes.
- Of a throwback or exhibiting primitivism.
- Relating to earlier, more primitive behavior that returns after an absence.
Where does atavistic come from?
From atavism + -istic.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with atavistic
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of atavistic.
Questions about saying atavistic
How do you pronounce atavistic?
Say at-uh-VIS-tik. The American pronunciation is /ætəˈvɪstɪk/. In British English it is /ætəˈvɪstɪk/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in atavistic?
Atavistic has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (VIS). Broken into parts: at · uh · VIS · tik.
Is atavistic 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 /ætəˈvɪstɪk/ (at-uh-VIS-tik).