How to Pronounce “catalyst”

American (US)

/ˈkæt.ə.lɪst/

British (UK)

/ˈkæt.ɪ.lɪst/

Australian (AU)

/ˈkæt.ə.lɪst/

noun — Something that speeds up a reaction or precipitates change without being consumed by it.

Example: The report was the catalyst for the whole reform.

Synonyms: trigger, spur

Where the stress falls. “catalyst” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˈkæt.ə.lɪst/ 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. /ˈkæt.ə.lɪst/ 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 "catalyst" mean?

catalyst (noun): Something that speeds up a reaction or precipitates change without being consumed by it. For example — The report was the catalyst for the whole reform.

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

American English: /ˈkæt.ə.lɪst/. British English: /ˈkæt.ɪ.lɪst/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "catalyst"?

/ˈkæt.ə.lɪst/ in American English, /ˈkæt.ɪ.lɪst/ in British English, /ˈkæt.ə.lɪst/ in Australian English.

Which syllable is stressed in "catalyst"?

“catalyst” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˈkæt.ə.lɪst/ 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.