4 syllables: am, phi, bi, ans. Stress on phi.
am-FIB-ee-uhnz
/æˈmfɪbiənz/
amphibians is pronounced am-FIB-ee-uhnz (/æˈmfɪbiənz/). It has four syllables (am-phi-bi-ans), with the stress on "phi". Amphibians are a class of cold-blooded vertebrates that typically live both in water and on land, undergoing life stages such as larval tadpoles in aquatic environments and adults on terrestrial habitats. They include frogs, salamanders, and caecilians, and are characterized by permeable skin and a life cycle tied to moist environments. The term emphasizes dual life, or ‘amphi’ (both) and ‘bio’ (life).
Amphibians are a class of cold-blooded vertebrates that typically live both in water and on land, undergoing life stages such as larval tadpoles in aquatic environments and adults on terrestrial habitats. They include frogs, salamanders, and caecilians, and are characterized by permeable skin and a life cycle tied to moist environments. The term emphasizes dual life, or ‘amphi’ (both) and ‘bio’ (life).
"The study compared amphibians across tropical and temperate regions."
"Amphibians are highly sensitive indicators of environmental health."
"Frog metamorphosis is a classic example of amphibian development."
Pronounce as am-FIB-ee-ənz with the primary stress on the second syllable: /æmˈfɪbiənz/. In IPA for US: /æmˈfɪbiənz/, UK: /æmˈfɪbiənz/, AU: /æmˈfɪbiənz/. The sequence emphasizes the 'am' then a sharp 'fi' as in fish, followed by a light 'bi' and a final schwa-ish 'ənz'. Picture the mouth opening for /æ/ then a quick /m/ and a strong /ˈɪ/ for the second syllable, then a relaxed /biənz/.
Two frequent errors: 1) Misplacing stress on the first syllable (am-PHI-bi-ans). Fix: recall the root ‘amphi-’ signals two-related life stages, so stress naturally falls on the second syllable. 2) Slurring /ɪ/ into /iː/ or pronouncing /ənz/ as /ənz/ with a heavy nasal. Practice: keep /ɪ/ short, end with a light /ənz/. Consistent practice with a mirror helps you perfect mouth positions.
In US/UK/AU, the initial /æ/ sound remains similar, but rhotics affect the r-less or r-full endings are not present here. The main difference is the quality of the second vowel: US and UK share /ɪ/ in the second syllable; AU tends toward a slightly more centralized /ɪ/ or schwa in rapid speech. Stress placement remains on the second syllable: /æmˈfɪbiənz/ across dialects, with minor vowel sharpening in US and broader vowel in some AU speakers.
Key challenges include the multisyllabic structure with four segments and the stepwise change from a closed /m/ onset to a stressed /ˈfɪ/ then a reduced /ənz/ ending. The cluster /biənz/ flows quickly, and the 'ph' gives an /f/ sound, which can be mistaken as /p/ or /f/ in some contexts. Also, the /æ/ at the start can blend in casual speech, so you might say /æmˈfɪbiənz/ quickly without clear division.
A unique point is the combination of a clear primary stress on the second syllable and the subtle sway into the /biənz/ ending, where the /iə/ sequence can blur in fast speech. Practically, you should maintain distinct /bi/ and /ənz/ segments, and avoid turning the second 'i' into a longer /iː/. Visualize three distinct phonetic blocks: am- /æm/, -PHI- /ˈfɪ/, -bi- /bi/, -ans /ənz/.
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Amphibian comes from the Greek amphibios, formed from amphi- meaning both, and bios meaning life. The term was in use in the 17th century as naturalists categorized vertebrates whose life cycle spans aquatic and terrestrial environments. Early taxonomic work by Carolus Linnaeus and later herpetologists solidified Amphibia as a class including frogs, toads, salamanders, and caecilians, emphasizing their dual lifestyle and skin permeability. The name reflects the observed biology of many species that have aquatic larvae and terrestrial adults, though not all amphibians require water for adults. The word evolved from scientific Latinized usage into common parlance and educational texts, remaining a stable taxonomic label despite debates about including caecilians within Amphibia. The term’s first known English usage traces to European natural history writings, with broader adoption in the 18th and 19th centuries as comparative anatomy and embryology advanced.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "amphibians" and can often be used interchangeably.
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Words that rhyme with "amphibians"
-ans sounds
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