How to pronounce mesmerism
Say it like MEZ-mer-iz-um. Mesmerism has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MEZ).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce mesmerism. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- MEZ
- mer
- iz
- um
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Mesmerism pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- MEZSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- merKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- izGive 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 mesmerism
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: MEZ-muh-riz-um.
What does mesmerism mean?
- The method or power of gaining control over someone's personality or actions.
- The theory and practice of Mesmer himself or his disciples, which involved hypnosis and a superstructure of theory that included animal magnetism.
- The state induced by hypnotic methods (especially those of Mesmer himself).
Where does mesmerism come from?
From French mesmérisme, analysable as Mesmer + -ism; so called after Franz Anton Mesmer (1734–1815), a German physician who developed the animal magnetism theory.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying mesmerism
How do you pronounce mesmerism?
Say MEZ-mer-iz-um. The American pronunciation is /ˈmɛzmɚˌɪzəm/. In British English it is /ˈmɛzməˌrɪzəm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in mesmerism?
Mesmerism has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MEZ). Broken into parts: MEZ · mer · iz · um.
Is mesmerism 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 /ˈmɛzməˌrɪzəm/ (MEZ-muh-riz-um).