How to Pronounce “anesthesia”

American (US)

/ˌænəsˈθiːʒə/

British (UK)

/ˌænəsˈθiːziə/

noun — The induced loss of sensation or consciousness used to allow surgery.

Example: The procedure is done under local anesthesia.

Where the stress falls. “anesthesia” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /ˌænəsˈθiːʒə/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the third one — so the third syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /ˌænəsˈθiːʒə/ contains a schwa /ə/ — the short, neutral “uh” that English unstressed syllables collapse into. Saying /ə/ there, instead of the vowel the spelling suggests, is most of what makes the word sound native.

What does "anesthesia" mean?

anesthesia (noun): The induced loss of sensation or consciousness used to allow surgery. For example — The procedure is done under local anesthesia.

How do you pronounce "anesthesia" in American vs British English?

American English: /ˌænəsˈθiːʒə/. British English: /ˌænəsˈθiːziə/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "anesthesia"?

/ˌænəsˈθiːʒə/ in American English, /ˌænəsˈθiːziə/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "anesthesia"?

“anesthesia” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /ˌænəsˈθiːʒə/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the third one — so the third syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.