How to pronounce circumflex
Say it like SUR-kum-fleks. Circumflex has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SUR).
VoiceSpeed
US American/ˈsɝkəmˌflɛks/SUR-kum-fleks
UK British/ˈsɜːkəmˌflɛks/SUR-kum-fleks
- SUR
- kum
- fleks
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Circumflex pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- kumKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- fleksGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
American vs British pronunciation of circumflex
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: SUR-kum-fleks.
What does circumflex mean?
noun
- A diacritical mark (ˆ) placed over a vowel in the orthography or transliteration of many languages to change its pronunciation; while in some other languages over a consonant.
- Having a circumflex mark.
- Curving around.
- To mark or pronounce with a circumflex.“to circumflex a syllable”
Questions about saying circumflex
How do you pronounce circumflex?
Say SUR-kum-fleks. The American pronunciation is /ˈsɝkəmˌflɛks/. In British English it is /ˈsɜːkəmˌflɛks/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in circumflex?
Circumflex has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SUR). Broken into parts: SUR · kum · fleks.
Is circumflex 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 /ˈsɜːkəmˌflɛks/ (SUR-kum-fleks).