How to pronounce mechanism
Say it like MEK-uh-niz-um. Mechanism has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MEK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce mechanism. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- MEK
- uh
- niz
- um
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Mechanism pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- MEKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- nizGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- umKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of mechanism
American and British speakers say mechanism in essentially the same way: /ˈmɛkəˌnɪzəm/ in the US and /ˈmɛkəˌnɪzəm/ in the UK.
British respelling: MEK-uh-niz-um.
What does mechanism mean?
- the atomic process that occurs during a chemical reaction“he determined unique mechanisms for the photochemical reactions”
- the technical aspects of doing something“a mechanism of social control”“mechanisms of communication”
- a natural object resembling a machine in structure or function“the mechanism of the ear”“the mechanism of infection”
Where does mechanism come from?
Learned borrowing from New Latin mechanismus.
Questions about saying mechanism
How do you pronounce mechanism?
Say MEK-uh-niz-um. The American pronunciation is /ˈmɛkəˌnɪzəm/. In British English it is /ˈmɛkəˌnɪzəm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in mechanism?
Mechanism has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MEK). Broken into parts: MEK · uh · niz · um.
Do Americans and Brits say mechanism the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈmɛkəˌnɪzəm/ and the British form is /ˈmɛkəˌnɪzəm/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.