How to Pronounce “dissertation”

American (US)

/ˌdɪsɚˈteɪʃən/

British (UK)

/ˌdɪsəˈteɪʃən/

Australian (AU)

/ˌdɪs.əˈtæɪ.ʃən/

noun — A formal exposition of a subject, especially a research paper that students write in order to complete the requirements for a doctoral degree in the US and a non-doctoral degree in the UK; a thesis.

Example: write a dissertation.

Where the stress falls. “dissertation” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /ˌdɪsɚˈteɪʃən/ 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. /ˌdɪsɚˈteɪʃən/ 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 "dissertation" mean?

dissertation (noun): A formal exposition of a subject, especially a research paper that students write in order to complete the requirements for a doctoral degree in the US and a non-doctoral degree in the UK; a thesis. For example — write a dissertation.

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

American English: /ˌdɪsɚˈteɪʃən/. British English: /ˌdɪsəˈteɪʃən/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "dissertation"?

/ˌdɪsɚˈteɪʃən/ in American English, /ˌdɪsəˈteɪʃən/ in British English, /ˌdɪs.əˈtæɪ.ʃən/ in Australian English.

Which syllable is stressed in "dissertation"?

“dissertation” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /ˌdɪsɚˈteɪʃən/ 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.