How to Pronounce “axiom”

American (US)

/ˈæk.si.əm/

British (UK)

/ˈak.sɪ.əm/

noun — A seemingly self-evident or necessary truth which is based on assumption; a principle or proposition which cannot actually be proved or disproved.

Where the stress falls. “axiom” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˈæk.si.əm/ 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. /ˈæk.si.əm/ 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 "axiom" mean?

axiom (noun): A seemingly self-evident or necessary truth which is based on assumption; a principle or proposition which cannot actually be proved or disproved.

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

American English: /ˈæk.si.əm/. British English: /ˈak.sɪ.əm/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "axiom"?

/ˈæk.si.əm/ in American English, /ˈak.sɪ.əm/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "axiom"?

“axiom” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˈæk.si.əm/ 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.