How to Pronounce “asymptomatic”

American (US)

/ˌeɪˌsɪm(p)təˈmætɪk/

British (UK)

/ˌeɪsɪm(p)təˈmætɪk/

adjective — Not exhibiting any symptoms of disease, as for example in a case which is subclinical (“without signs detectable by physical examination or laboratory test”).

Where the stress falls. “asymptomatic” has 5 syllables, and the transcription /ˌeɪˌsɪm(p)təˈmætɪk/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the fourth one — so the fourth syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /ˌeɪˌsɪm(p)təˈmætɪk/ 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 "asymptomatic" mean?

asymptomatic (adjective): Not exhibiting any symptoms of disease, as for example in a case which is subclinical (“without signs detectable by physical examination or laboratory test”).

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

American English: /ˌeɪˌsɪm(p)təˈmætɪk/. British English: /ˌeɪsɪm(p)təˈmætɪk/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "asymptomatic"?

/ˌeɪˌsɪm(p)təˈmætɪk/ in American English, /ˌeɪsɪm(p)təˈmætɪk/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "asymptomatic"?

“asymptomatic” has 5 syllables, and the transcription /ˌeɪˌsɪm(p)təˈmætɪk/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the fourth one — so the fourth syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.