How to pronounce tonic
Say it like TON-ik. Tonic has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TON).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce tonic. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- TON
- ik
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Tonic pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- TONSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- ikKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of tonic
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: TON-ik.
What does tonic mean?
- A substance with medicinal properties intended to restore or invigorate.“We used to brew a tonic from a particular kind of root.”
- Tonic water.
- Any of various carbonated, non-alcoholic beverages; soda pop.
- Pertaining to tension, especially of the muscles.
- Restorative; curative; or invigorating.“The arrival of the new members had a tonic effect on the team.”
- In a state of continuous unremitting action.
- Pertaining to or based upon the first note of a diatonic scale.
- Pertaining to the accent or stress in a word or in speech.
- Of or relating to tones or sounds; specifically (phonetics, dated) being or relating to a speech sound made with tone unmixed and undimmed by obstruction, i.e. a vowel or diphthong.
Words that rhyme with tonic
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of tonic.
Questions about saying tonic
How do you pronounce tonic?
Say TON-ik. The American pronunciation is /ˈtɑnɪk/. In British English it is /ˈtɒnɪk/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in tonic?
Tonic has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TON). Broken into parts: TON · ik.
Is tonic pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /ˈtɒnɪk/ (TON-ik).