How to pronounce pathetically
Say it like puh-THET-ih-kuh-lee. Pathetically has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (THET).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce pathetically. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- puh
- THET
- ih
- kuh
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Pathetically 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.
- THETSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- ihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- kuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- leeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of pathetically
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: puh-THET-ih-kuh-lee.
What does pathetically mean?
- In a pathetic manner; piteously.
Where does pathetically come from?
From pathetic + -ally.
Words that rhyme with pathetically
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of pathetically.
Questions about saying pathetically
How do you pronounce pathetically?
Say puh-THET-ih-kuh-lee. The American pronunciation is /pəˈθɛtɪkəli/. In British English it is /pəˈθɛtɪkəli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in pathetically?
Pathetically has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (THET). Broken into parts: puh · THET · ih · kuh · lee.
Is pathetically 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 /pəˈθɛtɪkəli/ (puh-THET-ih-kuh-lee).