How to Pronounce “apparatus”

American (US)

/ˌæpəˈrætəs/

British (UK)

/ˌæpəˈreɪtəs/

Australian (AU)

/ˌæp.əˈɹɑː.təs/

noun — The equipment needed for a particular purpose, or the structure of an organisation.

Example: The laboratory apparatus was set up before dawn.

Synonyms: equipment, machinery

Where the stress falls. “apparatus” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /ˌæpəˈrætəs/ 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. /ˌæpəˈrætəs/ 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 "apparatus" mean?

apparatus (noun): The equipment needed for a particular purpose, or the structure of an organisation. For example — The laboratory apparatus was set up before dawn.

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

American English: /ˌæpəˈrætəs/. British English: /ˌæpəˈreɪtəs/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "apparatus"?

/ˌæpəˈrætəs/ in American English, /ˌæpəˈreɪtəs/ in British English, /ˌæp.əˈɹɑː.təs/ in Australian English.

Which syllable is stressed in "apparatus"?

“apparatus” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /ˌæpəˈrætəs/ 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.

• TOEFL pronunciation words