How to pronounce ostrichism
Say it like OS-tree-chiz-um. Ostrichism has four 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 ostrichism. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- OS
- tree
- chiz
- um
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Ostrichism 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.
- treeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- chizGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- umKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of ostrichism
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: OS-trih-chih-zum.
What does ostrichism mean?
- The act of hiding, often unsuccessfully, by ducking one's head out of view.
Where does ostrichism come from?
From ostrich + -ism. The ostrich is often erroneously believed to bury its head in the sand to hide from predators.
Questions about saying ostrichism
How do you pronounce ostrichism?
Say OS-tree-chiz-um. The American pronunciation is /ˈɑstriˌtʃɪzəm/. In British English it is /ˈɒstrɪtʃɪzəm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in ostrichism?
Ostrichism has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (OS). Broken into parts: OS · tree · chiz · um.
Is ostrichism 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 /ˈɒstrɪtʃɪzəm/ (OS-trih-chih-zum).