How to Pronounce “demagogue”

American (US)

/ˈdɛməɡɑɡ/

British (UK)

/ˈdɛməɡɒɡ/

noun — A political orator or leader, especially in a democratic system, who gains favor by pandering to or exciting the passions and prejudices of the audience rather than by using rational argument.

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

Where the stress falls. “demagogue” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˈdɛməɡɑɡ/ 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. /ˈdɛməɡɑɡ/ 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 "demagogue" mean?

demagogue (noun): A political orator or leader, especially in a democratic system, who gains favor by pandering to or exciting the passions and prejudices of the audience rather than by using rational argument.

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

American English: /ˈdɛməɡɑɡ/. British English: /ˈdɛməɡɒɡ/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "demagogue"?

/ˈdɛməɡɑɡ/ in American English, /ˈdɛməɡɒɡ/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "demagogue"?

“demagogue” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˈdɛməɡɑɡ/ 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.