How to pronounce polemic
Say it like puh-LEM-ik. Polemic has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (LEM).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce polemic. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- puh
- LEM
- ik
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Polemic 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.
- LEMSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- ikKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of polemic
American and British speakers say polemic in essentially the same way: /pəˈlɛmɪk/ in the US and /pəˈlɛmɪk/ in the UK.
British respelling: puh-LEM-ik.
What does polemic mean?
- A person who writes in support of one opinion, doctrine, or system, in opposition to another; one skilled in polemics; a controversialist; a disputant.
- An argument or controversy.
- A strong verbal or written attack on someone or something.
- Having the characteristics of a polemic.
Words that rhyme with polemic
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of polemic.
Questions about saying polemic
How do you pronounce polemic?
Say puh-LEM-ik. The American pronunciation is /pəˈlɛmɪk/. In British English it is /pəˈlɛmɪk/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in polemic?
Polemic has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (LEM). Broken into parts: puh · LEM · ik.
Do Americans and Brits say polemic the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /pəˈlɛmɪk/ and the British form is /pəˈlɛmɪk/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.