How to Pronounce “symmetrical”

American (US)

/səˈmɛtrək(ə)l/

British (UK)

/sɪˈmɛtɹɪkəl/

Australian (AU)

/sɪˈmetɹɪkəl/

adjective — Exhibiting symmetry; having harmonious or proportionate arrangement of parts; having corresponding parts or relations.

Example: symmetrical design.

Where the stress falls. “symmetrical” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /səˈmɛtrək(ə)l/ 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. /səˈmɛtrək(ə)l/ 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 "symmetrical" mean?

symmetrical (adjective): Exhibiting symmetry; having harmonious or proportionate arrangement of parts; having corresponding parts or relations. For example — symmetrical design.

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

American English: /səˈmɛtrək(ə)l/. British English: /sɪˈmɛtɹɪkəl/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "symmetrical"?

/səˈmɛtrək(ə)l/ in American English, /sɪˈmɛtɹɪkəl/ in British English, /sɪˈmetɹɪkəl/ in Australian English.

Which syllable is stressed in "symmetrical"?

“symmetrical” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /səˈmɛtrək(ə)l/ 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.