How to pronounce ossify
Say it like OS-uh-fy. Ossify has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (OS).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce ossify. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- OS
- uh
- fy
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Ossify pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- OSSay 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.
- fyKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in time.
American vs British pronunciation of ossify
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: OS-ih-fy.
What does ossify mean?
- To transform (or cause to transform) from a softer animal substance into bone; particularly the processes of growth in humans and animals.
- To become (or cause to become) inflexible and rigid in habits or opinions.
- To grow (or cause to grow) formulaic and permanent.
Where does ossify come from?
Back-formation from ossification, or modeled on French ossifier and formed from Latin os, ossis (“bone”) + -ify.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying ossify
How do you pronounce ossify?
Say OS-uh-fy. The American pronunciation is /ˈɑsəfaɪ/. In British English it is /ˈɒsɪfaɪ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in ossify?
Ossify has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (OS). Broken into parts: OS · uh · fy.
Is ossify 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 /ˈɒsɪfaɪ/ (OS-ih-fy).