How to Pronounce “ethyl”

American (US)

/ˈɛθəl/

British (UK)

/ˈɛθaɪl/

noun — The univalent hydrocarbon radical, C2H5, formally derived from ethane by the loss of a hydrogen atom.

Where the stress falls. “ethyl” has 2 syllables, and the transcription /ˈɛθəl/ 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. /ˈɛθəl/ 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 "ethyl" mean?

ethyl (noun): The univalent hydrocarbon radical, C2H5, formally derived from ethane by the loss of a hydrogen atom.

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

American English: /ˈɛθəl/. British English: /ˈɛθaɪl/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "ethyl"?

/ˈɛθəl/ in American English, /ˈɛθaɪl/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "ethyl"?

“ethyl” has 2 syllables, and the transcription /ˈɛθəl/ 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.