How to pronounce politic
Say it like POL-ih-tik. Politic has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (POL).
VoiceSpeed
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce politic. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
US American/ˈpɑlɪtɪk/POL-ih-tik
UK British/ˈpɒlɪtɪk/POL-ih-tik
- POL
- ih
- tik
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Politic pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- POLSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- ihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- tikKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of politic
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: POL-ih-tik.
What does politic mean?
adjective
- Shrewd, prudent and expedient; showing policy.
- Discreet and diplomatic.
- Artful, crafty or cunning.
- A politics; a set of political beliefs.
- Alternative spelling of politick.
Questions about saying politic
How do you pronounce politic?
Say POL-ih-tik. The American pronunciation is /ˈpɑlɪtɪk/. In British English it is /ˈpɒlɪtɪk/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in politic?
Politic has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (POL). Broken into parts: POL · ih · tik.
Is politic pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /ˈpɒlɪtɪk/ (POL-ih-tik).