How to pronounce sardonic
Say it like sar-DAH-nik. Sardonic has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (DAH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce sardonic. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- sar
- DAH
- nik
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Sardonic pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- sarKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- DAHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- nikKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of sardonic
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: sah-DON-ik.
What does sardonic mean?
- Scornfully mocking or cynical.“He distances himself from people with his nasty, sardonic laughter.”
- Disdainfully or ironically humorous.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with sardonic
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of sardonic.
Questions about saying sardonic
How do you pronounce sardonic?
Say sar-DAH-nik. The American pronunciation is /sɑrˈdɑnɪk/. In British English it is /sɑːˈdɒnɪk/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in sardonic?
Sardonic has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (DAH). Broken into parts: sar · DAH · nik.
Is sardonic pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /sɑːˈdɒnɪk/ (sah-DON-ik).