How to pronounce positivism
Say it like POZ-ih-tih-vizm. Positivism has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (POZ).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce positivism. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- POZ
- ih
- tih
- vizm
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Positivism pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- POZSay 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.
- tihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- vizmGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of positivism
- 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: POZ-ih-tih-vizm.
What does positivism mean?
- A doctrine that states that the only authentic knowledge is scientific knowledge, and that such knowledge can only come from positive affirmation of theories through strict scientific method, refusing every form of metaphysics.
- A school of thought in jurisprudence in which the law is seen as separated from moral values; i.e., the law is posited by lawmakers (people).
Where does positivism come from?
Borrowed from French positivisme, from positif (“positive”).
Questions about saying positivism
How do you pronounce positivism?
Say POZ-ih-tih-vizm. The American pronunciation is /ˈpɑzɪtɪˌvɪzm/. In British English it is /ˈpɒzɪtɪˌvɪzm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in positivism?
Positivism has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (POZ). Broken into parts: POZ · ih · tih · vizm.
Is positivism 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 /ˈpɒzɪtɪˌvɪzm/ (POZ-ih-tih-vizm).