How to Pronounce “categorical”

American (US)

/ˌkætəˈɡɔɹɪk(ə)l/

British (UK)

/ˌkætəˈɡɒɹɪk(ə)l/

adjective — Absolute; having no exception.

Where the stress falls. “categorical” has 5 syllables, and the transcription /ˌkætəˈɡɔɹɪk(ə)l/ 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. /ˌkætəˈɡɔɹɪk(ə)l/ 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 "categorical" mean?

categorical (adjective): Absolute; having no exception.

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

American English: /ˌkætəˈɡɔɹɪk(ə)l/. British English: /ˌkætəˈɡɒɹɪk(ə)l/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "categorical"?

/ˌkætəˈɡɔɹɪk(ə)l/ in American English, /ˌkætəˈɡɒɹɪk(ə)l/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "categorical"?

“categorical” has 5 syllables, and the transcription /ˌkætəˈɡɔɹɪk(ə)l/ 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.