How to pronounce polytonal
Say it like pah-lee-TOH-nul. Polytonal has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (TOH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce polytonal. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- pah
- lee
- TOH
- nul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Polytonal pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- pahGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- leeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- TOHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "o" in go.
- nulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of polytonal
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: pol-ee-TOH-nul.
What does polytonal mean?
- That uses two or more tonalities simultaneously.
Where does polytonal come from?
From poly- + tonal.
Words that rhyme with polytonal
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of polytonal.
Questions about saying polytonal
How do you pronounce polytonal?
Say pah-lee-TOH-nul. The American pronunciation is /ˌpɑliˈtoʊnəl/. In British English it is /ˌpɒliˈtəʊnəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in polytonal?
Polytonal has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (TOH). Broken into parts: pah · lee · TOH · nul.
Is polytonal 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 /ˌpɒliˈtəʊnəl/ (pol-ee-TOH-nul).