How to pronounce witticism
Say it like WIT-ih-sih-zum. Witticism has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (WIT).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce witticism. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- WIT
- ih
- sih
- zum
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Witticism pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- WITSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- ihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- sihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- zumKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of witticism
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: WIT-ih-sih-zum.
What does witticism mean?
- a witty remark; a bon mot; an epigram; a zinger.
Where does witticism come from?
From witty + -icism; coined in the 1670s by John Dryden, by analogy to criticism.
Words that rhyme with witticism
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of witticism.
Questions about saying witticism
How do you pronounce witticism?
Say WIT-ih-sih-zum. The American pronunciation is /ˈwɪtɪsɪzəm/. In British English it is /ˈwɪtɪsɪzəm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in witticism?
Witticism has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (WIT). Broken into parts: WIT · ih · sih · zum.
Is witticism 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 /ˈwɪtɪsɪzəm/ (WIT-ih-sih-zum).