Learn How to Pronounce idiosyncrasy

Not sure how to say a word? Try the Promova pronunciation tool for free and learn how to pronounce anything in English correctly. Discover over 100,000 words and easily learn English pronunciation online!

Find your word:

Try:

Find how to pronounce a word and practice it in our free word pronouncer for English learners!

How to pronounce:

Listen to the pronunciation:

idiosyncrasy

Definition:

(nou) a behavioral attribute that is distinctive and peculiar to an individual

Phonetic Transcription:

ˌɪdɪəˈsɪŋkrəsi

Examples:

This idiosyncrasy has become a familiar characteristic of the machine.

Gary is known for his strange idiosyncrasy.

We all have idiosyncrasy such as habits.

Learn more about:

idiosyncrasy

Related Words:

How to perfect your pronunciation of: idiosyncrasy

Learn Individual Sounds

Break idiosyncrasy down into individual sounds such as ˌɪdɪəˈsɪŋkrəsi. Practice these parts before you learn to say the whole word.

Copy Others

Use the tools above to find out how different people say idiosyncrasy in their accents, then try to repeat after them.

Pick an Accent

Avoid mixing word pronunciations. If you’re learning American English, stick to it and try not to confuse yourself with British pronunciation.

Record Yourself

Say idiosyncrasy in the pronunciation tool as many times as it takes before you get it right. Record yourself saying different sentences with idiosyncrasy.

Get a Native Tutor

Improve your pronunciation with native speakers! Practice with American, British, and Australian teachers on Promova.

Common mistakes of idiosyncrasy pronunciation

  1. Misplacing the stress: Many learners incorrectly stress the second syllable, saying "id-i-o-'syn-crasy". The correct pronunciation is "ˌɪd.i.əˈsɪŋ.krə.si" with primary stress on the fourth syllable. Tip: Remember to highlight the fourth syllable when practicing.
  2. Overpronouncing vowels: Some people tend to overemphasize the vowels, making it sound like "id-i-o-syn-crasy". The correct form is "ˌɪd.i.əˈsɪŋ.krə.si", where the vowels are more subtle. Tip: Focus on blending the vowels smoothly.
  3. Ignoring the schwa: Learners often mispronounce the "a" in "idiosyncrasy" as a clear "a" sound, saying "idiosyncrasy". The correct pronunciation uses a schwa, sounding like "ˈkrə" in "ˌɪd.i.əˈsɪŋ.krə.si". Tip: Practice recognizing the schwa sound to improve fluency.
  4. Incorrect syllable count: Some may say "idiosyncrasy" with only four syllables instead of five. The correct breakdown is "ˌɪd.i.əˈsɪŋ.krə.si" with five distinct syllables. Tip: Clap out each syllable while saying the word to ensure accuracy.
  5. Mispronouncing "syn": A common mistake is pronouncing "syn" as "sin", resulting in "idiosincrasy". The right pronunciation is "ˈsɪŋ" as in "ˌɪd.i.əˈsɪŋ.krə.si". Tip: Practice saying "sing" to get the "sɪŋ" sound right.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "idiosyncrasy"?

You pronounce "idiosyncrasy" as /ˌɪd.i.əˈsɪŋ.krə.si/ in both American and British English. The stress is on the fourth syllable, "syn," which sounds like "sing."

What are the syllables in "idiosyncrasy"?

The word "idiosyncrasy" has six syllables: "id-i-o-syn-cra-sy." Each part is pronounced clearly, helping to break down the word for easier pronunciation.

Are there any common mistakes when saying "idiosyncrasy"?

A common mistake is misplacing the stress, often saying "id-i-o-SYN-crasy" instead of the correct "id-i-o-ˈSYN-crasy." It's important to emphasize the "syn" syllable to sound natural.

Is there a casual way to say "idiosyncrasy"?

In casual conversation, some might shorten "idiosyncrasy" to just "idiosyncratic" when discussing someone's quirks. However, it's best to use the full term for clarity in formal contexts.
Improve your pronunciation with a convenient app anywhere, anytime