How to pronounce etymology
Say it like et-uh-MOL-uh-jee. Etymology has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (MOL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce etymology. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- et
- uh
- MOL
- uh
- jee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Etymology pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- etGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- MOLSay 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.
- jeeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of etymology
- 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: et-ih-MOL-uh-jee.
What does etymology mean?
- The scientific study of the origin and evolution of a word's semantic meaning across time, including its constituent morphemes and phonemes.
- The entire catalog of meanings that a word, morpheme, or sign has carried throughout its history.“Although written the same, the words lead (the metal) and lead (the verb) have totally different etymologies.”
- An account of the origin and historical development of a word as presented in a dictionary or the like.
Words that rhyme with etymology
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of etymology.
Questions about saying etymology
How do you pronounce etymology?
Say et-uh-MOL-uh-jee. The American pronunciation is /ˌɛtəˈmɑlədʒi/. In British English it is /ˌɛtɪˈmɒlədʒi/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in etymology?
Etymology has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (MOL). Broken into parts: et · uh · MOL · uh · jee.
Is etymology 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 /ˌɛtɪˈmɒlədʒi/ (et-ih-MOL-uh-jee).