How to pronounce sadism
Say it like SAY-dih-zum. Sadism has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SAY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce sadism. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SAY
- dih
- zum
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Sadism pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- dihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- zumKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of sadism
American and British speakers say sadism in essentially the same way: /ˈseɪdɪzəm/ in the US and /ˈseɪdɪzəm/ in the UK.
British respelling: SAY-dih-zum.
What does sadism mean?
- The enjoyment of inflicting pain or humiliation without pity.
- Achievement of sexual gratification by inflicting pain or humiliation on others, or watching pain or humiliation inflicted on others.
- Deliberate or wanton cruelty, either mental or physical, to other people, or to animals, regardless of whether for (sexual) gratification.
Where does sadism come from?
From French sadisme and German Sadismus.
Questions about saying sadism
How do you pronounce sadism?
Say SAY-dih-zum. The American pronunciation is /ˈseɪdɪzəm/. In British English it is /ˈseɪdɪzəm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in sadism?
Sadism has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SAY). Broken into parts: SAY · dih · zum.
Do Americans and Brits say sadism the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈseɪdɪzəm/ and the British form is /ˈseɪdɪzəm/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.