How to Pronounce “formula”

American (US)

/ˈfɔɹ.mjə.lə/

British (UK)

/ˈfɔː.mjʊ.lə/

Australian (AU)

/ˈfoː.mjə.lə/

noun — Any mathematical rule expressed symbolically.

Example: x=−b±b2−4ac2a is a formula for finding the roots of the quadratic equation ax + bx + c = 0.

Where the stress falls. “formula” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˈfɔɹ.mjə.lə/ 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. /ˈfɔɹ.mjə.lə/ 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 "formula" mean?

formula (noun): Any mathematical rule expressed symbolically. For example — x=−b±b2−4ac2a is a formula for finding the roots of the quadratic equation ax + bx + c = 0.

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

American English: /ˈfɔɹ.mjə.lə/. British English: /ˈfɔː.mjʊ.lə/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "formula"?

/ˈfɔɹ.mjə.lə/ in American English, /ˈfɔː.mjʊ.lə/ in British English, /ˈfoː.mjə.lə/ in Australian English.

Which syllable is stressed in "formula"?

“formula” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˈfɔɹ.mjə.lə/ 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.