How to Pronounce “semantics”
Free audio in American, British, and Australian English.
▶ Hear it pronouncedIPA Transcription
- American (US)
- /sɪˈmæntɪks/
- British (UK)
- /sɪˈmæntɪks/
What “semantics” means
noun — The study of meaning in language.
Example: The disagreement turned out to be about semantics.
Pronunciation Notes
Where the stress falls. “semantics” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /sɪˈmæntɪks/ 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "semantics" mean?
semantics (noun): The study of meaning in language. For example — The disagreement turned out to be about semantics.
How do you pronounce "semantics" in American vs British English?
Both accents use the same sequence of phonemes for "semantics", /sɪˈmæntɪks/, so the difference you hear is in how the vowels are coloured rather than in which sounds are used. Play both on this page to compare.
What is the IPA transcription of "semantics"?
/sɪˈmæntɪks/ in American English, /sɪˈmæntɪks/ in British English.
Which syllable is stressed in "semantics"?
“semantics” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /sɪˈmæntɪks/ 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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