How to pronounce parasympathetic
Say it like per-uh-sim-puh-THET-ik. Parasympathetic has six syllables, and the main stress falls on the fifth one (THET).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce parasympathetic. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- per
- uh
- sim
- puh
- THET
- ik
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Parasympathetic 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.
- simKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- puhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- THETSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- ikKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of parasympathetic
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: par-uh-sim-puh-THET-ik.
What does parasympathetic mean?
- Of or relating to the part of the autonomic nervous system that inhibits or opposes the effects of the sympathetic nervous system. It consists of nerves arising from the brain and the lower end of the spinal cord and supplying the internal organs, blood vessels, and glands.
- A parasympathetic nerve.
Where does parasympathetic come from?
From para- (“beside, adjacent to”) + sympathetic, because some of these nerves run alongside sympathetic nerves.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with parasympathetic
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of parasympathetic.
Questions about saying parasympathetic
How do you pronounce parasympathetic?
Say per-uh-sim-puh-THET-ik. The American pronunciation is /ˌpɛrəsɪmpəˈθɛtɪk/. In British English it is /ˌpærəsɪmpəˈθɛtɪk/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in parasympathetic?
Parasympathetic has six syllables, and the main stress falls on the fifth one (THET). Broken into parts: per · uh · sim · puh · THET · ik.
Is parasympathetic pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t. The British form is /ˌpærəsɪmpəˈθɛtɪk/ (par-uh-sim-puh-THET-ik).