Learn How to Pronounce sisyphus

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sisyphus

Definition:

(nou) a king in ancient Greece who offended Zeus and whose punishment was to roll a huge boulder to the top of a steep hill; each time the boulder neared the top it rolled back down and Sisyphus was forced to start again

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: sisyphus

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Common mistakes of sisyphus pronunciation

Misplacing stress: Many people incorrectly stress the second syllable "sisyphus" as /ˈsɪs.ɪ.fəs/. Tip: Remember to stress the first syllable instead, as in /ˈsɪs.ɪ.fəs/ for US and UK.
Ignoring vowel sounds: The vowels in "sisyphus" can be mispronounced, leading to confusion. Tip: Pay attention to the short "i" sound in the first syllable /ˈsɪs/, ensuring clarity in pronunciation.
Overemphasizing the "ph": Some speakers might pronounce the "ph" in "sisyphus" too strongly, sounding like /sɪs.ɪ.fus/. Tip: Keep the "ph" soft, blending it smoothly into the following vowel sound.
Incorrect final syllable: The last syllable "phus" is often mispronounced as /fʌs/. Tip: Use the correct pronunciation /fəs/, ensuring the "u" remains a schwa sound for proper articulation.
Confusing with similar words: "Sisyphus" is sometimes confused with words like "sisyphoid." Tip: Focus on the distinct sounds in "sisyphus," particularly the "s" and "ph" combinations, to avoid mix-ups.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "sisyphus" in English?

In English, "sisyphus" is pronounced as /ˈsɪs.ɪ.fəs/. The stress is on the first syllable, "sis".

What is the syllable breakdown for the word "sisyphus"?

The word "sisyphus" has three syllables: "sis," "i," and "phus." It can be broken down as "SIS-i-fus."

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "sisyphus"?

A common mistake is misplacing the stress, often putting it on the second syllable instead of the first. Remember to emphasize the first syllable: "SIS-i-fus."

Is there a difference in pronunciation of "sisyphus" between American and British English?

There is no significant difference in the pronunciation of "sisyphus" between American and British English; both pronounce it as /ˈsɪs.ɪ.fəs/. The stress pattern remains the same in both variants.