How to Pronounce “spectroscopy”

American (US)

/spɛkˈtɹɑs.kə.pi/

British (UK)

/spɛkˈtɹɒs.kə.piː/

noun — The scientific study of spectra.

Where the stress falls. “spectroscopy” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /spɛkˈtɹɑs.kə.pi/ 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.

An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /spɛkˈtɹɑs.kə.pi/ 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 "spectroscopy" mean?

spectroscopy (noun): The scientific study of spectra.

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

American English: /spɛkˈtɹɑs.kə.pi/. British English: /spɛkˈtɹɒs.kə.piː/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "spectroscopy"?

/spɛkˈtɹɑs.kə.pi/ in American English, /spɛkˈtɹɒs.kə.piː/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "spectroscopy"?

“spectroscopy” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /spɛkˈtɹɑs.kə.pi/ 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.