How to pronounce philharmonic
Say it like fil-har-MAH-nik. Philharmonic has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (MAH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce philharmonic. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- fil
- har
- MAH
- nik
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Philharmonic pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- filGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- harGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- MAHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- nikKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of philharmonic
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: fil-hah-MON-ik.
What does philharmonic mean?
- Appreciative of music, but especially to its performance; devoted to music.
- A full-size symphony orchestra.
Where does philharmonic come from?
From French philharmonique; from Italian filarmonico.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with philharmonic
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of philharmonic.
Questions about saying philharmonic
How do you pronounce philharmonic?
Say fil-har-MAH-nik. The American pronunciation is /ˌfɪlˌhɑrˈmɑnɪk/. In British English it is /ˌfɪlˌhɑːˈmɒnɪk/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in philharmonic?
Philharmonic has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (MAH). Broken into parts: fil · har · MAH · nik.
Is philharmonic 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 /ˌfɪlˌhɑːˈmɒnɪk/ (fil-hah-MON-ik).