How to Pronounce “euphemism”

American (US)

/ˈjuː.fəˌmɪz.əm/

British (UK)

/ˈjuː.fəˌmɪz.əm/

noun — The use of a word or phrase to replace another one that is more offensive, blunt or vulgar.

Where the stress falls. “euphemism” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /ˈjuː.fəˌmɪz.əm/ 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. /ˈjuː.fəˌmɪz.əm/ 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 "euphemism" mean?

euphemism (noun): The use of a word or phrase to replace another one that is more offensive, blunt or vulgar.

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

Both accents use the same sequence of phonemes for "euphemism", /ˈjuː.fəˌmɪz.əm/, so the difference you hear is in how the vowels are coloured rather than in which sounds are used. Play both on this page to compare.

What is the IPA transcription of "euphemism"?

/ˈjuː.fəˌmɪz.əm/ in American English, /ˈjuː.fəˌmɪz.əm/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "euphemism"?

“euphemism” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /ˈjuː.fəˌmɪz.əm/ 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.