How to Pronounce “paradoxical”

American (US)

/ˌpɛɹəˈdɑːksɪkəl/

British (UK)

/ˌpæɹəˈdɒksɪkəl/

adjective — Having self-contradictory properties.

Where the stress falls. “paradoxical” has 5 syllables, and the transcription /ˌpɛɹəˈdɑːksɪkəl/ 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. /ˌpɛɹəˈdɑːksɪkəl/ 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 "paradoxical" mean?

paradoxical (adjective): Having self-contradictory properties.

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

American English: /ˌpɛɹəˈdɑːksɪkəl/. British English: /ˌpæɹəˈdɒksɪkəl/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "paradoxical"?

/ˌpɛɹəˈdɑːksɪkəl/ in American English, /ˌpæɹəˈdɒksɪkəl/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "paradoxical"?

“paradoxical” has 5 syllables, and the transcription /ˌpɛɹəˈdɑːksɪkəl/ 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.