How to pronounce politics
Say it like POL-uh-tiks. Politics has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (POL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce politics. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- POL
- uh
- tiks
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Politics 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.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- tiksGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of politics
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: POL-ih-tiks.
What does politics mean?
- social relations involving intrigue to gain authority or power“office politics is often counterproductive”
- the study of government of states and other political units
- the profession devoted to governing and to political affairs
Questions about saying politics
How do you pronounce politics?
Say POL-uh-tiks. The American pronunciation is /ˈpɑləˌtɪks/. In British English it is /ˈpɒlɪˌtɪks/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in politics?
Politics has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (POL). Broken into parts: POL · uh · tiks.
Is politics 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 /ˈpɒlɪˌtɪks/ (POL-ih-tiks).