How to pronounce photosynthesis
Say it like foh-toh-SIN-thuh-sis. Photosynthesis has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (SIN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce photosynthesis. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- foh
- toh
- SIN
- thuh
- sis
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Photosynthesis pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- fohGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "o" in go.
- tohKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "o" in go.
- SINSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- thuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- sisKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of photosynthesis
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: foh-toh-SIN-thuh-sis.
What does photosynthesis mean?
- Principally, oxygenic photosynthesis, any process by which plants and algae convert water and carbon dioxide into carbohydrates and waste oxygen using solar energy.
- Also, nonoxygenic photosynthesis, used by purple and green bacteria, heliobacteria, and acidobacteria.
Where does photosynthesis come from?
From photo- + synthesis.
Words that rhyme with photosynthesis
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of photosynthesis.
Questions about saying photosynthesis
How do you pronounce photosynthesis?
Say foh-toh-SIN-thuh-sis. The American pronunciation is /ˌfoʊtoʊˈsɪnθəsɪs/. In British English it is /ˌfəʊtəʊˈsɪnθəsɪs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in photosynthesis?
Photosynthesis has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (SIN). Broken into parts: foh · toh · SIN · thuh · sis.
Is photosynthesis pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh". The British form is /ˌfəʊtəʊˈsɪnθəsɪs/ (foh-toh-SIN-thuh-sis).