How to pronounce modernism
Say it like MOD-er-niz-um. Modernism has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MOD).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce modernism. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- MOD
- er
- niz
- um
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Modernism pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- MODSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- erKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- 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 modernism
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: MOD-uh-niz-um.
What does modernism mean?
- Modern or contemporary ideas, thought, practices, etc.
- Anything that is characteristic of modernity.
- Any of several styles of art, architecture, literature, philosophy, etc., that flourished in the 20th century.
Where does modernism come from?
From modern + -ism.
Questions about saying modernism
How do you pronounce modernism?
Say MOD-er-niz-um. The American pronunciation is /ˈmɑdɚˌnɪzəm/. In British English it is /ˈmɒdəˌnɪzəm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in modernism?
Modernism has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MOD). Broken into parts: MOD · er · niz · um.
Is modernism 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 /ˈmɒdəˌnɪzəm/ (MOD-uh-niz-um).