How to pronounce formaldehyde
Say it like for-MAL-duh-hyde. Formaldehyde has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (MAL).
- for
- MAL
- duh
- hyde
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Formaldehyde pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- forKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- MALSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- duhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- hydeGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in time.
American vs British pronunciation of formaldehyde
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: faw-MAL-dih-hyde.
What does formaldehyde mean?
- The simplest aldehyde, HCHO, a colourless gas that has many industrial applications; it dissolves in water to give formol (10%) and formalin.
Where does formaldehyde come from?
From form(yl) + aldehyde.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- methanal
Words that rhyme with formaldehyde
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of formaldehyde.
Questions about saying formaldehyde
How do you pronounce formaldehyde?
Say for-MAL-duh-hyde. The American pronunciation is /fɔrˈmældəˌhaɪd/. In British English it is /fɔːˈmældɪhaɪd/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in formaldehyde?
Formaldehyde has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (MAL). Broken into parts: for · MAL · duh · hyde.
Is formaldehyde pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /fɔːˈmældɪhaɪd/ (faw-MAL-dih-hyde).