How to Pronounce “anomaly”

American (US)

/əˈnɑːməli/

British (UK)

/əˈnɒməli/

Australian (AU)

/əˈnɔm.ə.li/

noun — Something that deviates from what is standard or expected.

Example: The reading was an anomaly, not a trend.

Synonyms: irregularity, aberration

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

An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /əˈnɑːməli/ 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 "anomaly" mean?

anomaly (noun): Something that deviates from what is standard or expected. For example — The reading was an anomaly, not a trend.

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

American English: /əˈnɑːməli/. British English: /əˈnɒməli/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "anomaly"?

/əˈnɑːməli/ in American English, /əˈnɒməli/ in British English, /əˈnɔm.ə.li/ in Australian English.

Which syllable is stressed in "anomaly"?

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