How to Pronounce “pseudonym”

American (US)

/ˈsuːdənɪm/

British (UK)

/ˈsjuːdənɪm/

noun — A false name, especially one used by an author.

Example: She published the first three novels under a pseudonym.

Synonyms: alias, pen name

The p is silent. “pseudonym” comes through Greek, where ps- was a single sound English never adopted. The p is dropped: the word begins on /s/.

Where the stress falls. “pseudonym” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˈsuːdənɪm/ 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. /ˈsuːdənɪm/ 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 "pseudonym" mean?

pseudonym (noun): A false name, especially one used by an author. For example — She published the first three novels under a pseudonym.

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

American English: /ˈsuːdənɪm/. British English: /ˈsjuːdənɪm/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "pseudonym"?

/ˈsuːdənɪm/ in American English, /ˈsjuːdənɪm/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "pseudonym"?

“pseudonym” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˈsuːdənɪm/ 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.

• Silent P words