How to Pronounce “dichotomy”

American (US)

/daɪˈkɑːtəmi/

British (UK)

/daɪˈkɒtəmi/

Australian (AU)

/dɑeˈkɔt.ə.mi/

noun — A division into two parts that are treated as opposed or entirely separate.

Example: He rejected the dichotomy between art and craft.

Synonyms: division, split

Where the stress falls. “dichotomy” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /daɪˈkɑːtəmi/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the second one — so the second syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /daɪˈkɑːtəmi/ 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 "dichotomy" mean?

dichotomy (noun): A division into two parts that are treated as opposed or entirely separate. For example — He rejected the dichotomy between art and craft.

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

American English: /daɪˈkɑːtəmi/. British English: /daɪˈkɒtəmi/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "dichotomy"?

/daɪˈkɑːtəmi/ in American English, /daɪˈkɒtəmi/ in British English, /dɑeˈkɔt.ə.mi/ in Australian English.

Which syllable is stressed in "dichotomy"?

“dichotomy” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /daɪˈkɑːtəmi/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the second one — so the second syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.