How to pronounce despotic
Say it like deh-SPOT-ik. Despotic has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SPOT).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce despotic. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- deh
- SPOT
- ik
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Despotic pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- dehKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- SPOTSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- ikKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of despotic
- 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: dee-SPOT-ik.
What does despotic mean?
- Of or pertaining to a despot or tyrant.“This despotic age of the empire ended in a revolt.”
- Acting or ruling as a despot, tyrannical.“The despotic king dissolved the parliament, and took personal control of the country.”
Words that rhyme with despotic
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of despotic.
Questions about saying despotic
How do you pronounce despotic?
Say deh-SPOT-ik. The American pronunciation is /dɛˈspɑtɪk/. In British English it is /diˈspɒtɪk/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in despotic?
Despotic has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SPOT). Broken into parts: deh · SPOT · ik.
Is despotic 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 /diˈspɒtɪk/ (dee-SPOT-ik).