English pronunciation · Words Starting with C
Characteristics Pronunciation
Characteristics is pronounced ke-ruhk-ter-I-stiks, IPA /ˌkɛrəktɝˈɪstɪks/.
ke-ruhk-ter-I-stiks
US /ˌkɛrəktɝˈɪstɪks/ · UK /ˌkærɪktəˈrɪstɪks/
Syllables: ke · ruhk · ter · I · stiks (5 syllables, stress on syllable 4)
noun (plural): The qualities or features that make a person or thing recognisable.
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Characteristics in a Sentence
- The two breeds share several characteristics.
- She listed the characteristics of a good manager.
- Soil characteristics vary across the valley.
Common Mispronunciations of Characteristics
Not KE-ruhk-ter-i-stiks
Five syllables with the punch on the fourth, I. Reading the word as a longer version of character puts the weight far too early.
Not cha-ruhk-ter-I-stiks
Harden the ch to a k, as Greek loanwords do: chorus, echo, and school behave the same way.
Tip: Count the beats before you speak: ke-ruhk-ter-I-stiks, and only the I is loud.
More words starting with c · Every word in the pronunciation guide