How to pronounce rhapsody
Say it like RAP-suh-dee. Rhapsody has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (RAP).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce rhapsody. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- RAP
- suh
- dee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Rhapsody pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- RAPSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- suhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- deeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of rhapsody
American and British speakers say rhapsody in essentially the same way: /ˈræpsədi/ in the US and /ˈræpsədi/ in the UK.
British respelling: RAP-suh-dee.
What does rhapsody mean?
- An exaggeratedly enthusiastic or exalted expression of feeling in speech or writing.
- An instrumental composition of irregular form, often incorporating improvisation.
- To say (something) with exaggerated or rapturous enthusiasm.
- Followed by about, on, over, or upon: to speak with exaggerated or rapturous enthusiasm.
Questions about saying rhapsody
How do you pronounce rhapsody?
Say RAP-suh-dee. The American pronunciation is /ˈræpsədi/. In British English it is /ˈræpsədi/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in rhapsody?
Rhapsody has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (RAP). Broken into parts: RAP · suh · dee.
Do Americans and Brits say rhapsody the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈræpsədi/ and the British form is /ˈræpsədi/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.