How to pronounce philosopher
Say it like fuh-LOS-uh-fer. Philosopher has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (LOS).
VoiceSpeed
US American/fəˈlɑsəfɚ/fuh-LOS-uh-fer
UK British/fɪˈlɒsəfə/fih-LOS-uh-fuh
- fuh
- LOS
- uh
- fer
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Philosopher pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- fuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- LOSSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- ferKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of philosopher
- 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: fih-LOS-uh-fuh.
What does philosopher mean?
noun
- A lover of wisdom.
- A student of philosophy.
- A scholar or expert engaged in or contributing to philosophical inquiry.
Where does philosopher come from?
Displaced native Old English ūþwita.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
- misosopher
Questions about saying philosopher
How do you pronounce philosopher?
Say fuh-LOS-uh-fer. The American pronunciation is /fəˈlɑsəfɚ/. In British English it is /fɪˈlɒsəfə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in philosopher?
Philosopher has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (LOS). Broken into parts: fuh · LOS · uh · fer.
Is philosopher 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 /fɪˈlɒsəfə/ (fih-LOS-uh-fuh).