3 syllables: Ad, di, son. Stress on Ad.
AD-uh-suhn
/ˈædəsən/
Addison is pronounced AD-uh-suhn (/ˈædəsən/). It has three syllables (Ad-di-son), with the stress on "Ad". Addison is a proper noun used as a given name or place name. In common usage it refers to a personal name of English origin, often used for individuals or fictional characters, and also appears in place names and institutions. The pronunciation is stable across contexts, with emphasis typically on the first syllable in English-speaking environments.
nounAddison is a proper noun used as a given name or place name. In common usage it refers to a personal name of English origin, often used for individuals or fictional characters, and also appears in place names and institutions. The pronunciation is stable across contexts, with emphasis typically on the first syllable in English-speaking environments.
- You often misplace the primary stress on the second syllable (a-DI-son). Keep it on the first: ADD-i-sun. - The middle /ɪ/ can drift toward a longer /iː/ before /s/, which makes the word sound like /ˈædiːsən/. Practice keeping short, clipped /ɪ/. - Final syllable tend to become /ən/ but some speakers say /ʌn/ or /ənn/. Aim for a light /ən/ with a barely audible n. - In fast speech, the sequence /dɪ/ can blur; ensure a distinct /d/ followed by a quick /ɪ/. - Don’t add a /z/ voice on /s/; keep /s/ as a voiceless sibilant.” ,
How to Pronounce Addison
"She named her daughter Addison after a family surname."
"Addison Elementary School hosted a science fair yesterday."
"The detective visited Addison Street to gather clues."
Addison is pronounced /ˈædɪsən/ in US and UK English, with primary stress on the first syllable: ADD-ih-suhn. The middle vowel is a short /ɪ/ as in 'kit,' and the final syllable uses a schwa /ə/ or a light /ɪ/ depending on speaker, resulting in a soft, unstressed 'son.' For careful pronunciation, begin with a crisp /æ/, then a quick /d/, followed by /ɪ/ and a relaxed /s/ before the final /ən/. Audio resources like Pronounce or YouGlish can provide native samples for reference.
Common mistakes include misplacing the stress on the second syllable (a-DI-son) or turning the middle /ɪ/ into a longer vowel like /i:/ in certain dialects. Some speakers over-articulate the final consonant, saying /-sən/ instead of the relaxed /-sən/ with a schwa. To correct: keep the primary stress on the first syllable, use a short /ɪ/ in the second position, and finish with a light /ən/ cluster where the n is clear but not heavily articulated.
In US, UK, and AU, Addison shares /ˈædɪsən/ with first-syllable stress. Subtle differences: US speakers may reduce the second vowel slightly more toward /ə/, UK often maintains a crisp /ɪ/ before /s/, and Australian tends to a flatter /æ/ with slightly longer vowels but still short /ɪ/ and /ə/ in unstressed syllables. The rhotics are minimal in non-rhotic varieties, but since the word contains an /s/, rhoticity affects only surrounding vowels rather than this syllable. Overall, the pattern remains ADD-ih-sən across regions.
The challenge lies in balancing the short, clipped vowels in the first two syllables with a soft, unstressed final /ən/. The first syllable demands a crisp /æ/, which contrasts with the light, nearly-schwa ending. Also, the alveolar /d/ occurs between two short vowels, making a quick transition essential. Some learners overemphasize the final /s/ or /ən/ making it sound like /-sən/ with a strong 'n' instead of a light schwa. Focusing on timing and mouth shape helps a lot.
A distinctive feature is the clear separation of the two non-stressed segments around /d/—the sequence /a-dɪ-/ requires a quick but precise articulation. Unlike many two-syllable names that blend vowels, Addison maintains a two-note rhythm: a stronger first syllable followed by a subdued second and final /ən/. This involves careful placement of the tongue tip for /d/ and a relaxed jaw for the /əsən/ sequence, especially in rapid speech.
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- US: Maintain rhoticity in surrounding context but Addison itself is non-rhotic; ensure the /ɚ/ is not added. - UK: Crisp initial /æ/ with shorter jaw drop; avoid over-aspiration of /d/. - AU: Slightly more relaxed vowels; keep /æ/ clear, /ɪ/ short, and /ən/ unstressed. All three share primary stress on the first syllable. IPA cues: US/UK/AU /ˈædɪsən/; notice subtle vowel length and quality differences, with US often more centralized in unstressed vowels. - Focus on reducing vowel reduction in the first syllable while keeping the second syllable short and fast.
Addison originated as a patronymic surname meaning 'son of Adam' or 'son of Addi/Adam,' from Old English elements like Ead- (rich, blessed) and -son (son). The given name Addison emerged in the Middle Ages as a surname-based first name, increasingly used in Britain and later the United States. Its popularity rose in the 18th and 19th centuries due to surname-to-first-name trends and the broader American practice of adopting family or regional surnames as given names. Addison gained modern cachet as a unisex name after notable figures and fictional characters boosted its familiarity. First known uses appear in English records as a surname, then later as a given name and placename, reflecting the evolving pattern of name formation from hereditary surnames to standalone given names in Anglophone regions.
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Help others use "Addison" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "Addison" and can often be used interchangeably.
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Words that rhyme with "Addison"
-son sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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