How to pronounce diabolic
Say it like dy-uh-BOL-ik. Diabolic has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (BOL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce diabolic. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- dy
- uh
- BOL
- ik
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Diabolic pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- dyGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in time.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- BOLSay 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 diabolic
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: dy-uh-BOL-ik.
What does diabolic mean?
- Of, being, or pertaining to a devil or the Devil.
- Having qualities traditionally attributed to devils.
- Wicked; evil; cruel.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with diabolic
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of diabolic.
Questions about saying diabolic
How do you pronounce diabolic?
Say dy-uh-BOL-ik. The American pronunciation is /ˌdaɪəˈbɑlɪk/. In British English it is /ˌdaɪəˈbɒlɪk/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in diabolic?
Diabolic has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (BOL). Broken into parts: dy · uh · BOL · ik.
Is diabolic 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 /ˌdaɪəˈbɒlɪk/ (dy-uh-BOL-ik).