How to Pronounce “atmosphere”

American (US)

/ˈætməsˌfɪɹ/

British (UK)

/ˈætməsˌfɪə/

Australian (AU)

/ˈætməsˌfɪə/

noun — The gases surrounding the Earth or any astronomical body.

The final e is silent. The transcription /ˈætməsˌfɪɹ/ ends on a consonant sound, so the written e at the end of “atmosphere” is not pronounced.

Where the stress falls. “atmosphere” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˈætməsˌfɪɹ/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the first one — so the first syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /ˈætməsˌfɪɹ/ 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 "atmosphere" mean?

atmosphere (noun): The gases surrounding the Earth or any astronomical body.

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

American English: /ˈætməsˌfɪɹ/. British English: /ˈætməsˌfɪə/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "atmosphere"?

/ˈætməsˌfɪɹ/ in American English, /ˈætməsˌfɪə/ in British English, /ˈætməsˌfɪə/ in Australian English.

Which syllable is stressed in "atmosphere"?

“atmosphere” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˈætməsˌfɪɹ/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the first one — so the first syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.