How to pronounce paradoxical
Say it like per-uh-DAHK-sih-kul. Paradoxical has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (DAHK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce paradoxical. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- per
- uh
- DAHK
- sih
- kul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Paradoxical pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- perGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- DAHKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- sihKeep 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 paradoxical
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: par-uh-DOK-sih-kul.
What does paradoxical mean?
- Having self-contradictory properties.
Where does paradoxical come from?
From paradox + -ical.
Questions about saying paradoxical
How do you pronounce paradoxical?
Say per-uh-DAHK-sih-kul. The American pronunciation is /ˌpɛrəˈdɑksɪkəl/. In British English it is /ˌpærəˈdɒksɪkəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in paradoxical?
Paradoxical has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (DAHK). Broken into parts: per · uh · DAHK · sih · kul.
Is paradoxical 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 /ˌpærəˈdɒksɪkəl/ (par-uh-DOK-sih-kul).