How to pronounce neoteny
Say it like nee-OT-uh-nee. Neoteny has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (OT).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce neoteny. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- nee
- OT
- uh
- nee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Neoteny pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- neeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- OTSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- neeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of neoteny
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: nee-OT-uh-nee.
What does neoteny mean?
- The retention of juvenile characteristics in the adult.“Most amphibians are aquatic only while young, but some amphibians with neoteny remain aquatic even as adults.”
- The sexual maturity of an organism still in its larval stage.
Words that rhyme with neoteny
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of neoteny.
Questions about saying neoteny
How do you pronounce neoteny?
Say nee-OT-uh-nee. The American pronunciation is /niˈɑtəni/. In British English it is /niˈɒtəni/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in neoteny?
Neoteny has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (OT). Broken into parts: nee · OT · uh · nee.
Is neoteny pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /niˈɒtəni/ (nee-OT-uh-nee).