How to pronounce narcolepsy
Say it like NAR-kuh-lep-see. Narcolepsy has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (NAR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce narcolepsy. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- NAR
- kuh
- lep
- see
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Narcolepsy pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- NARSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- kuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- lepGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- seeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of narcolepsy
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: NAH-kuh-lep-see.
What does narcolepsy mean?
- A disorder characterized by sudden and uncontrollable attacks of deep sleep, often brief, sometimes accompanied by paralysis and hallucinations.“Excitement-induced narcolepsy caused him to sleep through the most important events of his life.”
Where does narcolepsy come from?
From French narcolepsie.
Questions about saying narcolepsy
How do you pronounce narcolepsy?
Say NAR-kuh-lep-see. The American pronunciation is /ˈnɑrkəˌlɛpsi/. In British English it is /ˈnɑːkəˌlɛpsi/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in narcolepsy?
Narcolepsy has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (NAR). Broken into parts: NAR · kuh · lep · see.
Is narcolepsy 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 /ˈnɑːkəˌlɛpsi/ (NAH-kuh-lep-see).