How to pronounce orthodontics
Say it like or-thuh-DON-tiks. Orthodontics has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (DON).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce orthodontics. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- or
- thuh
- DON
- tiks
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Orthodontics pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- orGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- thuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- DONSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- tiksKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of orthodontics
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: aw-thuh-DON-tiks.
What does orthodontics mean?
- A specialty of dentistry concerned with correcting misalignment of teeth.
Where does orthodontics come from?
From orthodontic + -s, equivalent to ortho- (“correct, straight”) + -odont + -ics.
Questions about saying orthodontics
How do you pronounce orthodontics?
Say or-thuh-DON-tiks. The American pronunciation is /ˌɔrθəˈdɑntɪks/. In British English it is /ˌɔːθəˈdɒntɪks/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in orthodontics?
Orthodontics has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (DON). Broken into parts: or · thuh · DON · tiks.
Is orthodontics 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 /ˌɔːθəˈdɒntɪks/ (aw-thuh-DON-tiks).