How to pronounce polyphonic
Say it like pol-if-ON-ik. Polyphonic has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (ON).
VoiceSpeed
US American/ˌpɑˌlɪˈfɑnɪk/pol-if-ON-ik
UK British/ˌpɒlɪˈfɒnɪk/pol-ih-FON-ik
- pol
- if
- ON
- ik
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Polyphonic pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- polGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- ifGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- ONSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- ikKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of polyphonic
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: pol-ih-FON-ik.
What does polyphonic mean?
adjective
- Of or relating to polyphony.“a polyphonic ringtone”
- Having two or more independent but harmonic melodies.
- Able to play more than one musical note at the same time.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- contrapuntal
- polyphonal
- polyphonous
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with polyphonic
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of polyphonic.
Questions about saying polyphonic
How do you pronounce polyphonic?
Say pol-if-ON-ik. The American pronunciation is /ˌpɑˌlɪˈfɑnɪk/. In British English it is /ˌpɒlɪˈfɒnɪk/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in polyphonic?
Polyphonic has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (ON). Broken into parts: pol · if · ON · ik.
Is polyphonic 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 /ˌpɒlɪˈfɒnɪk/ (pol-ih-FON-ik).