How to pronounce diabolical
Say it like dy-uh-BOL-ih-kul. Diabolical has five 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 diabolical. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- dy
- uh
- BOL
- ih
- kul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Diabolical 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.
- ihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- kulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of diabolical
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: dy-uh-BOL-ih-kul.
What does diabolical mean?
- Of or concerning the devil: devilish, satanic.
- Extremely wicked or cruel.“a diabolical plan”
- (Devilishly) cunning or devious.
Where does diabolical come from?
From diabolic + -al.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with diabolical
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of diabolical.
Questions about saying diabolical
How do you pronounce diabolical?
Say dy-uh-BOL-ih-kul. The American pronunciation is /ˌdaɪəˈbɑlɪkəl/. In British English it is /ˌdaɪəˈbɒlɪkəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in diabolical?
Diabolical has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (BOL). Broken into parts: dy · uh · BOL · ih · kul.
Is diabolical 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 /ˌdaɪəˈbɒlɪkəl/ (dy-uh-BOL-ih-kul).