How to pronounce cynicism
Say it like SIN-ih-siz-um. Cynicism has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SIN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce cynicism. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SIN
- ih
- siz
- um
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Cynicism pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SINSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- ihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- sizGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- umKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of cynicism
American and British speakers say cynicism in essentially the same way: /ˈsɪnɪˌsɪzəm/ in the US and /ˈsɪnɪˌsɪzəm/ in the UK.
British respelling: SIN-ih-siz-um.
What does cynicism mean?
- A distrustful attitude.
- An emotion of jaded negativity, or a general distrust of the integrity or professed motives of others, due to belief that people are motivated solely by disguised self-interest.
- A scornfully pessimistic comment or act.
Where does cynicism come from?
From Cynicism, cynic + -ism; compare cynism.
Questions about saying cynicism
How do you pronounce cynicism?
Say SIN-ih-siz-um. The American pronunciation is /ˈsɪnɪˌsɪzəm/. In British English it is /ˈsɪnɪˌsɪzəm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in cynicism?
Cynicism has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SIN). Broken into parts: SIN · ih · siz · um.
Do Americans and Brits say cynicism the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈsɪnɪˌsɪzəm/ and the British form is /ˈsɪnɪˌsɪzəm/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.