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Try LingUp Now!Start with the 'SIN' syllable. Make an /s/ sound, followed by a short /ɪ/ vowel like in 'sit', and end with an /n/ sound.
The second syllable is a very short, unstressed 'i' sound (/ɪ/). It's quick and soft.
End with 'kuhl' (/kəl/). Make a hard /k/ sound, then a schwa /ə/ and a dark /l/ sound. Your tongue tip touches the roof of your mouth behind your teeth.
Pronouncing the first 'c' as /k/ instead of /s/ (KY-ni-cal).
Using a long 'ee' sound in the first syllable (SEEN-i-cal).
Stressing the second syllable instead of the first (si-NI-cal).
same as American
same as American
The 'c' is pronounced as an /s/ sound because it is followed by the letter 'y'. Think of words like 'city' or 'cycle'.
The stress is on the first syllable. Say 'SIN-i-kuhl', making the 'SIN' part louder and clearer than the rest.
The 'y' in 'cynical' sounds like a short /ɪ/, the same vowel sound in the word 'sit' or 'is'.
Believing that people are only motivated by self-interest; not trusting others.
/ˈsɪn.ɪk/
A person who is cynical.
/ˈsɪn.ɪ.sɪz.əm/
A cynical attitude or belief.
/ˈsɪn.ɪ.kli/
In a cynical way.
'cynic' is shorter, with only two syllables (SIN-ik).
'cynicism' is longer, with four syllables (SIN-i-siz-um), but the stress stays on the first syllable.
'cynically' has three syllables (SIN-ik-lee), and the middle 'i' sound is often dropped.
Remember that 'c' usually makes an /s/ sound when it comes before 'e', 'i', or 'y'. This helps you pronounce words like 'cynical', 'cell', and 'city' correctly.
For 'cynical' and its word family, the stress is always on the first syllable. Practice saying SIN-ic, SIN-i-cal, and SIN-i-cism to get the rhythm right.
