How to Pronounce “theoretical”

American (US)

/ˌθi.əˈɹɛt.ɪ.kəl/

British (UK)

/ˌθɪəˈɹɛtɪkəl/

Australian (AU)

/ˌθiːˈɹet.ɪ.kəl/

adjective — Of or relating to theory; abstract; not empirical.

Where the stress falls. “theoretical” has 5 syllables, and the transcription /ˌθi.əˈɹɛt.ɪ.kəl/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the third one — so the third syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /ˌθi.əˈɹɛt.ɪ.kəl/ 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 "theoretical" mean?

theoretical (adjective): Of or relating to theory; abstract; not empirical.

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

American English: /ˌθi.əˈɹɛt.ɪ.kəl/. British English: /ˌθɪəˈɹɛtɪkəl/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "theoretical"?

/ˌθi.əˈɹɛt.ɪ.kəl/ in American English, /ˌθɪəˈɹɛtɪkəl/ in British English, /ˌθiːˈɹet.ɪ.kəl/ in Australian English.

Which syllable is stressed in "theoretical"?

“theoretical” has 5 syllables, and the transcription /ˌθi.əˈɹɛt.ɪ.kəl/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the third one — so the third syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.