How to pronounce syncope
Say it like SING-kuh-pee. Syncope has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SING).
- SING
- kuh
- pee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Syncope pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SINGSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- kuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- peeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of syncope
American and British speakers say syncope in essentially the same way: /ˈsɪŋkəpi/ in the US and /ˈsɪŋkəpi/ in the UK.
British respelling: SING-kuh-pee.
What does syncope mean?
- The elision or loss of a sound from the interior of a word, especially of a vowel sound with loss of a syllable.
- A loss of consciousness when fainting.
- A missed beat or off-beat stress in music resulting in syncopation.
Where does syncope come from?
Usage in the form syncope, with the phonological meaning "contraction of a word by omission of middle sounds or letters" attested from the 1520s.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying syncope
How do you pronounce syncope?
Say SING-kuh-pee. The American pronunciation is /ˈsɪŋkəpi/. In British English it is /ˈsɪŋkəpi/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in syncope?
Syncope has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SING). Broken into parts: SING · kuh · pee.
Do Americans and Brits say syncope the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈsɪŋkəpi/ and the British form is /ˈsɪŋkəpi/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.