How to pronounce optical
Say it like AHP-tih-kul. Optical has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AHP).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce optical. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- AHP
- tih
- kul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Optical pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- AHPSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- tihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- kulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of optical
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: OP-tih-kul.
What does optical mean?
- of or relating to or involving light or optics“optical supplies”
- relating to or using sight“ocular inspection”“an optical illusion”
- of or relating to or resembling the eye“ocular muscles”“an ocular organ”
Where does optical come from?
From optic + -al.
Questions about saying optical
How do you pronounce optical?
Say AHP-tih-kul. The American pronunciation is /ˈɑptɪkəl/. In British English it is /ˈɒptɪkəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in optical?
Optical has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AHP). Broken into parts: AHP · tih · kul.
Is optical 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 /ˈɒptɪkəl/ (OP-tih-kul).