How to pronounce sabbatical
Say it like suh-BAT-ih-kul. Sabbatical has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (BAT).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce sabbatical. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- suh
- BAT
- ih
- kul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Sabbatical pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- suhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- BATSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- ihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- kulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of sabbatical
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: suh-BAT-ih-kul.
What does sabbatical mean?
- An extended period of leave from a person's usual pursuits.
- A sabbatical year (ancient religious observance).
- Relating to the Sabbath.
- Relating to a sabbatical.
Where does sabbatical come from?
From Latin sabbaticus + -al.
Words that rhyme with sabbatical
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of sabbatical.
Questions about saying sabbatical
How do you pronounce sabbatical?
Say suh-BAT-ih-kul. The American pronunciation is /səˈbætɪkəl/. In British English it is /səˈbætɪkəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in sabbatical?
Sabbatical has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (BAT). Broken into parts: suh · BAT · ih · kul.
Is sabbatical pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t. The British form is /səˈbætɪkəl/ (suh-BAT-ih-kul).