How to pronounce desideratum
Say it like duh-sid-uh-RAH-tum. Desideratum has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the fourth one (RAH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce desideratum. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- duh
- sid
- uh
- RAH
- tum
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Desideratum pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- duhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- sidGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- RAHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- tumKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of desideratum
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: dih-sid-uh-RAH-tum.
What does desideratum mean?
- Something that is wished for, or considered desirable, particularly when thought to be essential.
Where does desideratum come from?
The plural is derived from Latin dēsīderāta.
Words that rhyme with desideratum
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of desideratum.
Questions about saying desideratum
How do you pronounce desideratum?
Say duh-sid-uh-RAH-tum. The American pronunciation is /dəˌsɪdəˈrɑtəm/. In British English it is /dɪˌsɪdəˈrɑːtəm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in desideratum?
Desideratum has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the fourth one (RAH). Broken into parts: duh · sid · uh · RAH · tum.
Is desideratum pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t. The British form is /dɪˌsɪdəˈrɑːtəm/ (dih-sid-uh-RAH-tum).