How to pronounce catalyst
Say it like KAT-uh-lust. Catalyst has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAT).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce catalyst. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KAT
- uh
- lust
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Catalyst pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KATSay 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.
- lustKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of catalyst
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: KAT-uh-list.
What does catalyst mean?
- (chemistry) a substance that initiates or accelerates a chemical reaction without itself being affected
- something that causes an important event to happen“the invasion acted as a catalyst to unite the country”
Where does catalyst come from?
From catalysis + -ist.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying catalyst
How do you pronounce catalyst?
Say KAT-uh-lust. The American pronunciation is /ˈkætələst/. In British English it is /ˈkætəlɪst/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in catalyst?
Catalyst has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAT). Broken into parts: KAT · uh · lust.
Is catalyst 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 /ˈkætəlɪst/ (KAT-uh-list).