How to pronounce sophisticated
Say it like suh-FIS-tuh-kay-tid. Sophisticated has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FIS).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce sophisticated. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- suh
- FIS
- tuh
- kay
- tid
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Sophisticated 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.
- FISSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- tuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- kayGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- tidKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of sophisticated
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: suh-FIS-tih-kay-tid.
What does sophisticated mean?
- having or appealing to those having worldly knowledge and refinement and savoir-faire“sophisticated young socialites”“a sophisticated audience”
- ahead in development; complex or intricate“advanced technology”“a sophisticated electronic control system”
- intellectually appealing“a sophisticated drama”
Where does sophisticated come from?
First English usage circa 1601.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying sophisticated
How do you pronounce sophisticated?
Say suh-FIS-tuh-kay-tid. The American pronunciation is /səˈfɪstəˌkeɪtɪd/. In British English it is /səˈfɪstɪˌkeɪtɪd/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in sophisticated?
Sophisticated has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FIS). Broken into parts: suh · FIS · tuh · kay · tid.
Is sophisticated 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 /səˈfɪstɪˌkeɪtɪd/ (suh-FIS-tih-kay-tid).