How to pronounce dichotomy
Say it like dy-KOT-uh-mee. Dichotomy has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (KOT).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce dichotomy. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- dy
- KOT
- uh
- mee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Dichotomy pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- dyKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in time.
- KOTSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- meeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of dichotomy
- 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: dy-KOT-uh-mee.
What does dichotomy mean?
- A separation or division into two; a distinction that results in such a division.
- Such a division involving apparently incompatible or opposite principles; a duality.
- The division of a class into two disjoint subclasses that are together comprehensive, as the division of human into female and male.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with dichotomy
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of dichotomy.
Questions about saying dichotomy
How do you pronounce dichotomy?
Say dy-KOT-uh-mee. The American pronunciation is /daɪˈkɑtəmi/. In British English it is /ˌdaɪˈkɒtəmi/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in dichotomy?
Dichotomy has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (KOT). Broken into parts: dy · KOT · uh · mee.
Is dichotomy 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 /ˌdaɪˈkɒtəmi/ (dy-KOT-uh-mee).