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How to Pronounce “heuristic”

Free audio in American, British, and Australian English.

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American (US)
/hjʊˈrɪstɪk/
British (UK)
/hjʊəˈrɪstɪk/

noun — A practical rule of thumb that usually works but is not guaranteed to be optimal.

Example: The scheduler uses a simple heuristic to pick the next job.

Where the stress falls. “heuristic” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /hjʊˈrɪstɪk/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the second one — so the second syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

What does "heuristic" mean?

heuristic (noun): A practical rule of thumb that usually works but is not guaranteed to be optimal. For example — The scheduler uses a simple heuristic to pick the next job.

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

American English: /hjʊˈrɪstɪk/. British English: /hjʊəˈrɪstɪk/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "heuristic"?

/hjʊˈrɪstɪk/ in American English, /hjʊəˈrɪstɪk/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "heuristic"?

“heuristic” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /hjʊˈrɪstɪk/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the second one — so the second syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

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