How to pronounce cathartic
Say it like kuh-THAR-tik. Cathartic 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 cathartic. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- kuh
- THAR
- tik
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Cathartic 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.
- tikKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of cathartic
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: kuh-THAH-tik.
What does cathartic mean?
- A laxative.
- Purgative; inducing mental or physical catharsis.“Shaving, my favorite activity, is very cathartic.”
- That which releases emotional tension, especially after an overwhelming experience.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying cathartic
How do you pronounce cathartic?
Say kuh-THAR-tik. The American pronunciation is /kəˈθɑrtɪk/. In British English it is /kəˈθɑːtɪk/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in cathartic?
Cathartic has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (THAR). Broken into parts: kuh · THAR · tik.
Is cathartic 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 /kəˈθɑːtɪk/ (kuh-THAH-tik).