How to pronounce idiosyncrasy
Say it like id-ee-uh-SING-kruh-see. Idiosyncrasy has six syllables, and the main stress falls on the fourth one (SING).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce idiosyncrasy. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- id
- ee
- uh
- SING
- kruh
- see
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Idiosyncrasy pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- idGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- eeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- SINGSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- kruhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- seeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of idiosyncrasy
American and British speakers say idiosyncrasy in essentially the same way: /ˌɪdiəˈsɪŋkrəsi/ in the US and /ˌɪdɪəʊˈsɪŋkrəsi/ in the UK.
British respelling: id-eer-uu-SING-kruh-see.
What does idiosyncrasy mean?
- A behavior or way of thinking that is characteristic of a person or a group.
- A peculiar individual reaction to a generally innocuous substance or factor; a risk factor.
- A peculiarity that serves to distinguish or identify.“He mastered the idiosyncrasies of English spelling and speech.”
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying idiosyncrasy
How do you pronounce idiosyncrasy?
Say id-ee-uh-SING-kruh-see. The American pronunciation is /ˌɪdiəˈsɪŋkrəsi/. In British English it is /ˌɪdɪəʊˈsɪŋkrəsi/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in idiosyncrasy?
Idiosyncrasy has six syllables, and the main stress falls on the fourth one (SING). Broken into parts: id · ee · uh · SING · kruh · see.
Do Americans and Brits say idiosyncrasy the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌɪdiəˈsɪŋkrəsi/ and the British form is /ˌɪdɪəʊˈsɪŋkrəsi/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.