How to Pronounce “syntax”
Free audio in American, British, and Australian English.
▶ Hear it pronouncedIPA Transcription
- American (US)
- /ˈsɪn.tæks/
- British (UK)
- /ˈsɪn.tæks/
What “syntax” means
noun — The rules governing how words or symbols are arranged into valid structures.
Example: The compiler rejected the file on a syntax error.
Pronunciation Notes
Where the stress falls. “syntax” has 2 syllables, and the transcription /ˈsɪn.tæks/ 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "syntax" mean?
syntax (noun): The rules governing how words or symbols are arranged into valid structures. For example — The compiler rejected the file on a syntax error.
How do you pronounce "syntax" in American vs British English?
Both accents use the same sequence of phonemes for "syntax", /ˈsɪn.tæks/, 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 "syntax"?
/ˈsɪn.tæks/ in American English, /ˈsɪn.tæks/ in British English.
Which syllable is stressed in "syntax"?
“syntax” has 2 syllables, and the transcription /ˈsɪn.tæks/ 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.
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