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How to pronounce Neanderthal

How to Pronounce "Neanderthal"

Definition: How to say "Neanderthal" and use it in a sentence

Phonetic Spelling:

nee-an-der-thawl (Nee·an·der·thawl)

How to say "Neanderthal" correctly

Understanding the meanings of Neanderthal.

  • An extinct species of human that was widely distributed in ice-age Europe between c. 120,000–35,000 years ago, with a receding forehead and prominent brow ridges.
  • A member of this species.
  • A person who is regarded as being unintelligent or uncivilized.
  • A person who is outdated or old-fashioned in their beliefs or behaviors.
  • A Neanderthal is also used metaphorically to mean a person who is seen as being uncultured or primitive.

Practice using Neanderthal in a sentence:

  • The Neanderthals were known for their robust build and large brains.
  • Scientists have been studying Neanderthal DNA to learn more about human evolution.
  • He behaved like a Neanderthal, grunting and gesturing instead of speaking.
  • Her boss was a Neanderthal when it came to technology, refusing to use anything beyond a flip phone.
  • The character in the movie was portrayed as a Neanderthal, lacking social skills and refinement.

Nearby words to Neanderthal:

Neapolitan, Neanderthaloid, Neanderthalic, Neanderthaline, Neanderthaloidism, Neanderthalian, Neanderthalensis, Neanderthalization, Neanderthalize, Neanderthaloidian,

Synonyms for Neanderthal

Caveman, Prehistoric human, Troglodyte, Barbarian, Savage, Brute, Archaic human, Primitive person, Uncivilized person, Throwback,

Antonyms for Neanderthal

Modern human, Sophisticated person, Civilized person, Intellectual, Cultured individual, Enlightened being,

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Tips to improve your pronunciation of ‘Neanderthal’

A few techniques that should help you perfect your pronunciation of ‘Neanderthal‘:

  • Try to Break down ‘Neanderthal’ into each individual vowel, speak it aloud and exaggerate the sounds until you can consistently repeat it without mistakes.
  • Record yourself saying ‘Neanderthal‘ in a full sentence and then watch or listen back. You’ll be able to find any of your flaws very easily.
  • Search for more videos on Google on how to pronounce ‘Neanderthal‘ accurately.
  • Focus on a single accent: mixing multiple accents could confuse you, and not just beginners. So pick just one accent, perhaps US and stick to it!


A few more ideas to enhance your English accent and pronunciation, it’s advised to learn the following strategies:

Practicing verbal shortening in speech is normal in the U.S. and is viewed as a natural part of informal dialogue. For example, changing “what are you going to do this weekend” to “what you gonna do this weekend” is widely accepted. Delve into terms like ‘gonna’ and ‘wanna’ for further understanding.

Working on your intonation is crucial for English fluency. The ways you use stress, rhythm, and pitch in English are crucial in conveying your message and feelings. Many resources and videos on Youtube can help you in mastering these components to pronounce ‘Neanderthal’.

Engage with multiple Youtube channels dedicated to English learning. These platforms offer no-cost resources that tackle crucial language skills. Pronounce.tv is another excellent source for enhancing your pronunciation.

Imitating native speakers can markedly improve your pronunciation. Listen to how they articulate ‘Neanderthal’ and attempt to replicate the tone, speed, and rhythm in your speech, making it second nature.

Incorporate phonetic exercises into your routine. Learning and practicing the phonetic sounds of English can help you better pronounce words that are difficult or unfamiliar.

Frequently practice English in your daily conversations. The more you speak, the more adept you’ll become with the nuances of pronunciation and accent, boosting your overall expressive capabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any regional variations in the pronunciation of Neanderthal?

The pronunciation of “Neanderthal” can vary regionally due to differences in accent and dialect. In general, the word is commonly pronounced as “nee-an-der-thawl” in American English and “nee-an-der-tal” in British English. However, within each country, there may be further variations in pronunciation based on regional accents. Additionally, different languages may have their own unique pronunciations of the word. Overall, while there may be some regional variations in how “Neanderthal” is pronounced, the differences are generally minor and the word remains recognizable regardless of accent.

Is Neanderthal pronounced or Neandertal?

The pronunciation of “Neanderthal” can vary depending on regional accents and personal preference. In English, it is commonly pronounced with either a ‘t’ sound or a ‘th’ sound, and both pronunciations are considered acceptable. The original German pronunciation of “Neanderthal” has always been with a ‘t’ sound, as the German language does not have the ‘th’ sound. It is important to note that the pronunciation of the term in everyday language does not affect the taxonomic name of the Neanderthals, which was proposed by William King in 1864 as Homo neanderthalensis.

Is there a difference between Neanderthal and Neandertal?

The terms Neanderthal and Neandertal both refer to the same extinct species of hominins, Homo neanderthalensis, that lived in Europe and parts of Asia around 400,000 to 40,000 years ago. The difference in spelling, with one using “th” and the other using “t,” is purely a matter of language evolution. The original term, Neanderthal, was named after the Neander Valley in Germany where the first Neanderthal fossils were discovered. Over time, the German spelling of “thal” has been modernized to “tal,” leading to the alternate spelling Neandertal. Both spellings are used interchangeably to refer to this ancient species, and there is no significant difference in meaning between the two variations.

Is the pronunciation of Neanderthal debated among experts?

Yes, the pronunciation of “Neanderthal” is debated among experts. The traditional pronunciation is “nee-AN-der-tahl,” with the stress on the second syllable. However, some experts argue that the correct pronunciation is actually “nee-AN-der-tall,” with the stress on the final syllable. This debate stems from the original German pronunciation of the word, as Neanderthal fossils were first discovered in the Neander Valley in Germany. Ultimately, both pronunciations are widely accepted, and the choice of pronunciation may vary depending on regional dialects or personal preference.

What is the history behind the pronunciation of the word Neanderthal?

The pronunciation of the word “Neanderthal” has evolved over time due to changes in language and linguistic conventions. The term “Neanderthal” is derived from the Neander Valley (or Neandertal in German) in Germany, where the first Neanderthal fossils were discovered in 1856. The original pronunciation of the word followed the German pronunciation, with the “th” being pronounced as a hard “t” sound. However, as the word became more widely used in English and other languages, the pronunciation shifted to include the “th” sound as in “thick” or “the.” This change reflects the natural evolution of language and the influence of different linguistic traditions. Today, both pronunciations are considered acceptable, with the pronunciation with the “th” sound being more common in English-speaking countries.

Have the pronunciations of Neanderthal evolved over time?

The pronunciation of “Neanderthal” has indeed evolved over time. The word “Neanderthal” is derived from the Neander Valley (Tal in German) in Germany, where the first Neanderthal fossils were discovered in 1856. The original pronunciation in German would have been closer to “Neander-tal” with a hard “t” sound. Over time, as the term gained popularity and spread to other languages, the pronunciation has shifted to “Neander-thal” with a softer “th” sound, influenced by the English language. This change in pronunciation reflects the natural evolution of language and the way words are adapted and pronounced in different linguistic contexts.

Why is it common for people to mispronounce Neanderthal?

It is common for people to mispronounce “Neanderthal” because the word originates from German, and the pronunciation can be challenging for English speakers. The correct pronunciation is “NEE-an-der-tahl,” with emphasis on the first syllable. The combination of unfamiliar sounds and the presence of the “th” sound at the end of the word can lead to mispronunciations. Additionally, the word has been in use for a long time, and mispronunciations can become ingrained in common usage. People may also be influenced by the way they hear others pronounce the word, leading to a perpetuation of the mispronunciation. Overall, the complexity of the word’s pronunciation, its foreign origin, and historical usage patterns contribute to the common mispronunciation of “Neanderthal.”

Is the pronunciation of Neanderthal different in American English and British English?

The pronunciation of “Neanderthal” is generally the same in American English and British English. The word is typically pronounced as “NEE-an-der-thawl” in both dialects. However, slight variations in accent and regional dialects may lead to subtle differences in pronunciation. In general, the pronunciation of “Neanderthal” remains consistent across the two English variants, with the emphasis placed on the first syllable and the “th” sound pronounced as “th” rather than “t.”

Do any other languages have a different pronunciation for Neanderthal?

The term “Neanderthal” is derived from the name of the Neander Valley in Germany, where the first Neanderthal fossils were discovered. In English, the pronunciation of “Neanderthal” is typically /niˈændərˌtɑːl/ or /niˈændərˌθɔːl/. In other languages, the pronunciation may vary slightly due to differences in phonetics and accent. For example, in German, the word is pronounced as /neˈandɐˌtaːl/. In French, it is pronounced as /ne.ɑ̃.dɛʁ.tal/. While the pronunciation may have slight variations, the general sound of “Neanderthal” remains recognizable across different languages.

What is the correct pronunciation of Neanderthalensis?

The correct pronunciation of Neanderthalensis is “neander-TAL-ensis.” This pronunciation follows the proper enunciation of the formal species name Homo neanderthalensis. However, when using a more casual or colloquial tone, it is acceptable to simply say “Neanderthal” or “Neandertal.” It is important to note that the pronunciation of scientific names can vary depending on the language and regional accents, but the standard English pronunciation is “neander-TAL-ensis.”

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