How to pronounce nepotism
Say it like NEP-uh-tih-zum. Nepotism has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (NEP).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce nepotism. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- NEP
- uh
- tih
- zum
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Nepotism pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- NEPSay 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.
- tihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- zumKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of nepotism
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: NEP-uh-tih-zum.
What does nepotism mean?
- The favoring of relatives (most strictly) or also personal friends (more broadly) because of their relationship rather than because of their abilities.“Nepotism can get you very far in the world if you've got the right connections.”
Where does nepotism come from?
Borrowed from French népotisme, from Italian nepotismo, from Latin nepōs (“nephew”), a reference to the practice of popes appointing relatives (most often nephews) as cardinals (cardinal-nephew) during the Middle Ages and Renaissance.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying nepotism
How do you pronounce nepotism?
Say NEP-uh-tih-zum. The American pronunciation is /ˈnɛpətɪzəm/. In British English it is /ˈnɛpətɪzəm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in nepotism?
Nepotism has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (NEP). Broken into parts: NEP · uh · tih · zum.
Is nepotism pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t. The British form is /ˈnɛpətɪzəm/ (NEP-uh-tih-zum).