How to Pronounce “esoteric”

American (US)

/ˌesəˈterɪk/

British (UK)

/ˌesəʊˈterɪk/

Australian (AU)

/ˌiː.səˈteɹ.ɪk/

adjective — Understood by, or intended for, only a small group with specialised knowledge.

Example: The paper is esoteric even by the standards of the field.

Synonyms: obscure, arcane

Antonyms: accessible

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

esoteric (adjective): Understood by, or intended for, only a small group with specialised knowledge. For example — The paper is esoteric even by the standards of the field.

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

American English: /ˌesəˈterɪk/. British English: /ˌesəʊˈterɪk/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "esoteric"?

/ˌesəˈterɪk/ in American English, /ˌesəʊˈterɪk/ in British English, /ˌiː.səˈteɹ.ɪk/ in Australian English.

Which syllable is stressed in "esoteric"?

“esoteric” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /ˌesəˈterɪk/ 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.