How to Pronounce “pragmatism”

American (US)

/ˈpɹæɡmətɪzəm/

British (UK)

/ˈpɹaɡmətɪzəm/

noun — The pursuit of practicality over aesthetic qualities; a concentration on facts rather than emotions or ideals.

Where the stress falls. “pragmatism” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /ˈpɹæɡmətɪzəm/ 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. /ˈpɹæɡmətɪzəm/ 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 "pragmatism" mean?

pragmatism (noun): The pursuit of practicality over aesthetic qualities; a concentration on facts rather than emotions or ideals.

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

American English: /ˈpɹæɡmətɪzəm/. British English: /ˈpɹaɡmətɪzəm/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "pragmatism"?

/ˈpɹæɡmətɪzəm/ in American English, /ˈpɹaɡmətɪzəm/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "pragmatism"?

“pragmatism” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /ˈpɹæɡmətɪzəm/ 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.