How to pronounce catharsis
Say it like kuh-THAR-sis. Catharsis has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (THAR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce catharsis. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- kuh
- THAR
- sis
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Catharsis pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- kuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- THARSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- sisGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of catharsis
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: kuh-THAH-sis.
What does catharsis mean?
- A release of emotional tension after an overwhelming vicarious experience, resulting in the purging or purification of the emotions, as through watching a dramatic production (especially a tragedy).
- Any release of emotional tension to the same effect, more widely.
- A purification or cleansing, especially emotional.
Questions about saying catharsis
How do you pronounce catharsis?
Say kuh-THAR-sis. The American pronunciation is /kəˈθɑrˌsɪs/. In British English it is /kəˈθɑːsɪs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in catharsis?
Catharsis has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (THAR). Broken into parts: kuh · THAR · sis.
Is catharsis pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /kəˈθɑːsɪs/ (kuh-THAH-sis).