How to pronounce paternalistic
Say it like puh-tur-nuh-LIS-tik. Paternalistic has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the fourth one (LIS).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce paternalistic. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- puh
- tur
- nuh
- LIS
- tik
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Paternalistic pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- puhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- turGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- nuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- LISSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- tikKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of paternalistic
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: puh-tur-nuh-LIS-tik.
What does paternalistic mean?
- the quality of being paternal, i.e. like a father, e.g. characterized by behaving in a benevolent yet intrusive manner towards underlings
- of, pertaining to, characteristic of or practicing paternalism
Where does paternalistic come from?
From paternal + -istic.
Words that rhyme with paternalistic
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of paternalistic.
Questions about saying paternalistic
How do you pronounce paternalistic?
Say puh-tur-nuh-LIS-tik. The American pronunciation is /pəˌtɝnəˈlɪstɪk/. In British English it is /pəˌtɜːnəˈlɪstɪk/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in paternalistic?
Paternalistic has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the fourth one (LIS). Broken into parts: puh · tur · nuh · LIS · tik.
Is paternalistic 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 /pəˌtɜːnəˈlɪstɪk/ (puh-tur-nuh-LIS-tik).