How to pronounce nemesis
Say it like NEM-uh-sis. Nemesis has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (NEM).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce nemesis. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- NEM
- uh
- sis
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Nemesis pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- NEMSay 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.
- sisKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of nemesis
American and British speakers say nemesis in essentially the same way: /ˈnɛməsɪs/ in the US and /ˈnɛmɪsɪs/ in the UK.
British respelling: NEM-ih-sis.
What does nemesis mean?
- An enemy, especially an archenemy.“Batman is in constant conflict with his nemesis, The Joker.”
- A person or character who specifically brings about the downfall of another person or character, as an agent of that character's fate or destiny, especially within a narrative.
- The personification of the "fatal flaw" of a dramatic hero in the style of Greek tragedy.
Questions about saying nemesis
How do you pronounce nemesis?
Say NEM-uh-sis. The American pronunciation is /ˈnɛməsɪs/. In British English it is /ˈnɛmɪsɪs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in nemesis?
Nemesis has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (NEM). Broken into parts: NEM · uh · sis.
Do Americans and Brits say nemesis the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈnɛməsɪs/ and the British form is /ˈnɛmɪsɪs/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.