How to Pronounce “polymorphism”

American (US)

/pɑliˈmɔɹfɪz(ə)m/

British (UK)

/pɒlɪˈmɔːfɪz(ə)m/

noun — The ability of one interface to work with values of several different types.

Example: Polymorphism lets the same call handle both shapes.

Where the stress falls. “polymorphism” has 5 syllables, and the transcription /pɑliˈmɔɹfɪz(ə)m/ 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. /pɑliˈmɔɹfɪz(ə)m/ 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 "polymorphism" mean?

polymorphism (noun): The ability of one interface to work with values of several different types. For example — Polymorphism lets the same call handle both shapes.

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

American English: /pɑliˈmɔɹfɪz(ə)m/. British English: /pɒlɪˈmɔːfɪz(ə)m/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "polymorphism"?

/pɑliˈmɔɹfɪz(ə)m/ in American English, /pɒlɪˈmɔːfɪz(ə)m/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "polymorphism"?

“polymorphism” has 5 syllables, and the transcription /pɑliˈmɔɹfɪz(ə)m/ 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.