How to pronounce syphilis
Say it like SIF-uh-lis. Syphilis has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SIF).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce syphilis. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SIF
- uh
- lis
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Syphilis pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SIFSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- lisKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of syphilis
American and British speakers say syphilis in essentially the same way: /ˈsɪfəlɪs/ in the US and /ˈsɪfəlɪs/ in the UK.
British respelling: SIF-uh-lis.
What does syphilis mean?
- a common venereal disease caused by the treponema pallidum spirochete; symptoms change through progressive stages; can be congenital (transmitted through the placenta)
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying syphilis
How do you pronounce syphilis?
Say SIF-uh-lis. The American pronunciation is /ˈsɪfəlɪs/. In British English it is /ˈsɪfəlɪs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in syphilis?
Syphilis has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SIF). Broken into parts: SIF · uh · lis.
Do Americans and Brits say syphilis the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈsɪfəlɪs/ and the British form is /ˈsɪfəlɪs/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.