3 syllables: Al, ka, li. Stress on Al.
AL-kuh-leye
/ˈælkəˌlaɪ/
Alkali is pronounced AL-kuh-leye (/ˈælkəˌlaɪ/). It has three syllables (Al-ka-li), with the stress on "Al". Alkali is a chemical noun describing a basic, ion-forming substance—usually a metal hydroxide or carbonate that neutralizes acids. In common usage, it refers to alkaline material soluble in water, forming alkaline solutions. It can also denote a substance exhibiting basic (alkaline) properties, often contrasted with acids in chemical reactions.
nounAlkali is a chemical noun describing a basic, ion-forming substance—usually a metal hydroxide or carbonate that neutralizes acids. In common usage, it refers to alkaline material soluble in water, forming alkaline solutions. It can also denote a substance exhibiting basic (alkaline) properties, often contrasted with acids in chemical reactions.
How to Pronounce Alkali
"Sodium hydroxide is a strong alkali used in soap making and drain cleaners."
"The alkali content of the soil affects nutrient availability for plants."
"Researchers tested the alkali resistance of the new concrete mix."
Pronounce it as /ˈæl.kəˌlaɪ/. Start with a stressed 'AL' as in 'apple,' then a soft 'kuh' in the middle, and finish with a long 'lie' as in 'lie.' The primary stress sits on the first syllable, with a lighter secondary rise on the final 'i'. Try to produce a crisp 'lk' cluster and avoid pronouncing the middle as a hard 'alk-uh-lie'—the middle is a quick schwa-like sound. Audio reference: [IPA guidance] to compare with clear examples.
Common errors include misplacing stress (prolonging the middle syllable), pronouncing it as 'AL-kuh-lee' instead of /ˈæl.kəˌlaɪ/, and over-articulating the 'kuh' part. Another frequent slip is merging the middle 'ka' into a single syllable 'al-kay-lee.' Corrective tips: keep the middle syllable short with a schwa /kə/, emphasize the first syllable, and finish with a clear /laɪ/ diphthong.
In US, UK, and AU accents, the overall stress pattern is similar on the first syllable, but the vowels shift: US tends to a slightly more rhotic, broader /ɚ/ in some speakers, UK remains crisper with /ə/ more centralized, and AU speakers often reduce the middle vowel a touch. The final /laɪ/ remains a strong diphthong across all, with minor differences in vowel quality and rounding. IPA references help map subtle shifts.
The challenge is the three-syllable rhythm with a clear first-stress pattern and a final diphthong /aɪ/. The middle /kə/ needs a quick, relaxed schwa sound; overemphasizing it makes it sound like 'alk-uh-lee' instead of 'alk-uh-lie.' Additionally, the final /laɪ/ can blend with the preceding consonant if spoken too slowly, creating a lisp-like effect. Practice aiming for crisp /ˈæl.kəˌlaɪ/.
A unique feature is the distinct separation of syllables with a light middle schwa; you shouldn’t compress 'alk' and 'ali' into a blunt 'alkali' without the vowel break. The integrity of the /ˈæl/ onset, the /kə/ middle, and the /laɪ/ coda is crucial. Emphasize the long final /aɪ/ to avoid confusion with similar-sounding bases like 'alkaline' where the stress shifts and the ending changes.
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US: emphasis on /ˈæl/ with a broader /ɪ/ vowel cluster; /kə/ is a compact schwa; final /laɪ/ as a distinct diphthong. UK: crisper consonants; final /laɪ/ remains a tight diphthong; middle /ə/ is slightly less reduced. AU: slight vowel flattening, milder /ɪ/ and more centralized /ə/; keep /laɪ/ bright. IPA cues: US /ˈæl.kəˌlaɪ/, UK /ˈæl.kəˌlaɪ/, AU /ˈæl.kəˌlaɪ/.
Alkali comes from the Arabic al-qili (al-qāli), meaning the ashes (alkali salts) of plants and ashes used for soap and glassmaking; the term climbed into Old French as alquali, then Latinized forms in science. In the 16th–17th centuries, it began to refer specifically to alkaline earth or metal hydroxide-rich substances as chemistry evolved. By the 1700s, alkalis were systematized in terms of reactivity with acids and carbonates, distinguishing basic, soluble materials from acids. The sense expanded with industrial chemistry to include various bases used in soaps, glass, and paper production. First known usages often linked to plant ashes and the sodium carbonate-rich ‘alkali ashes’ found in the Solvay process era.
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
Help others use "Alkali" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "Alkali" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Alkali" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "Alkali"
-lly sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
🎵 Rhyme tip: Practicing with rhyming words helps you master similar sound patterns and improves your overall pronunciation accuracy.
