How to pronounce cosmetic
Say it like koz-MET-ik. Cosmetic has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (MET).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce cosmetic. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- koz
- MET
- ik
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Cosmetic pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- kozKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- METSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- ikKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of cosmetic
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: koz-MET-ik.
What does cosmetic mean?
- a toiletry designed to beautify the body
- serving an esthetic rather than a useful purpose“cosmetic fenders on cars”“the buildings were utilitarian rather than decorative”
- serving an aesthetic purpose in beautifying the body“cosmetic surgery”“enhansive makeup”
Words that rhyme with cosmetic
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of cosmetic.
Questions about saying cosmetic
How do you pronounce cosmetic?
Say koz-MET-ik. The American pronunciation is /kɑzˈmɛtɪk/. In British English it is /kɒzˈmɛtɪk/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in cosmetic?
Cosmetic has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (MET). Broken into parts: koz · MET · ik.
Is cosmetic pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /kɒzˈmɛtɪk/ (koz-MET-ik).