How to pronounce topical
Say it like TAH-puh-kul. Topical has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TAH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce topical. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- TAH
- puh
- kul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Topical pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- TAHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- puhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- kulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of topical
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: TOP-ih-kul.
What does topical mean?
- Relating to a particular topic or subject.“The book is divided into topical chapters.”
- Relating to a topic or subject of current interest.“Fair trade has become quite a topical issue.”
- Local to a particular place.
- A substance, especially a medication, applied externally (to the surface of the skin or eye).
- A topical anaesthetic.
- A joke dealing with current events or topical subjects.
Where does topical come from?
From topic + -al.
Questions about saying topical
How do you pronounce topical?
Say TAH-puh-kul. The American pronunciation is /ˈtɑpəkəl/. In British English it is /ˈtɒpɪkəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in topical?
Topical has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TAH). Broken into parts: TAH · puh · kul.
Is topical 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 /ˈtɒpɪkəl/ (TOP-ih-kul).