4 syllables: An, ti, go, ne. Stress on ti.
at-IG-uh-nee
/æˈtɪɡəni/
Antigone is pronounced at-IG-uh-nee (/æˈtɪɡəni/). It has four syllables (An-ti-go-ne), with the stress on "ti". Antigone is a proper noun referring to a heroine in Greek tragedy, most famously the daughter of Oedipus. The name is used in literature, theatre, and academic discussions of Greek drama. It denotes a specific, culturally significant character and is pronounced with careful attention to Greek phonology in English usage.
nounAntigone is a proper noun referring to a heroine in Greek tragedy, most famously the daughter of Oedipus. The name is used in literature, theatre, and academic discussions of Greek drama. It denotes a specific, culturally significant character and is pronounced with careful attention to Greek phonology in English usage.
"The professor discussed Antigone's steadfastness in the play's final scene."
"She adopted Antigone as a symbol of moral duty against civil disobedience."
"Antigone has been performed in numerous languages, highlighting different pronunciations."
Pronounce as an-ti-GO-nee (US: æntɪˈɡoʊni, UK/AU: æntɪˈɡəʊni). The primary stress sits on the second syllable: -GOne-, with a clear long vowel in the final -nee. Start with a short 'a' as in 'cat', then a light 'n', 'ti' as in 'tide' but quick, 'go' with a long o, and finish with a long ee. In careful speech, you may hear three distinct syllables: an-ti-GO-ne, but common modern usage often blends to two or three with reduced vowels in some contexts. Audio examples: consult standard dictionaries or pronunciation guides to hear the rhythm.
Common errors include over-splitting into four syllables (an-ti-go-ne) or misplacing stress on the first or third syllable. Some speakers flatten the middle vowel, saying it like 'ant-ih-GO-nee' with a weak first syllable. Correction: emphasize the second syllable with a clear 'GO' and preserve a distinct final -nee. Practice with minimal pairs and listen to native readings to lock in æn-tɪ-GO-ni.
In US, expect æn-tɪ-ˈɡoʊ-ni with a prominent final -ni and a pronounced 'o' in -go-. UK often uses æn-tɪ-ˈɡəʊ-ni, with a schwa in the middle and a rounded 'o' in -go-. Australian tends toward æn-tɪ-ˈɡəʊ-ni similar to UK, but final vowels can be slightly lighter and less stressed in casual speech. Maintain three syllables in careful enunciation but allow a two-to-three-syllable blend in rapid speech.
The difficulty comes from Greek-origin stress patterns, the two-front-vowel sequence in -ti-, and the final -ne often pronounced as -nee or -neh depending on accent. The mid syllable can be reduced to a schwa, causing rhythm shifts. The long vs short vowel in -go- (oʊ vs əʊ) also varies by region. Concentrate on the second syllable stress and consistent final -nee to master it.
A key point is the second-syllable stress on the -go- portion (ant i-GO ne) in many English pronunciations, but some prefer anti-GO-ne with rotation of stress. The middle vowel often shifts toward a mid-central vowel (schwa) in fast speech, which can alter rhythm. Awareness of this variation helps you align with performance or scholarly readings.
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Antigone originates from Ancient Greek Ἀντιγόνη (Antigónē), a compound of anti- (against, opposite) and gónē (birth, lineage, offspring). The name essentially conveys the idea of someone who is against birth or lineage, a paradox tied to the tragic conflicts in Sophocles’ play where Antigone defies royal edicts regarding burial rites. The Greek form appears in classical texts as Antigóne, with eta long marks and stress on the second syllable in modern renditions. In Latin, it is rendered Antigona, influencing medieval and modern adaptations where the stress pattern shifts slightly in various languages. In English, the name came into usage through translations of Sophocles, starting from the Renaissance onward, preserving the original vowels but adapting to English phonotactics. Over centuries, pronunciation has varied—some speakers place stress on the second syllable (an-TIG-uh-nee), others on the third (an-ti-GO-nee) depending on whether they align with classical Latinized or English adaptations. The term gained enduring presence in theater and literary studies, becoming a symbol for conscience, civil disobedience, and feminine agency in the classical canon. Its usage expanded beyond literature into philosophy and politics as a cultural shorthand for principled resistance. First known uses in English texts appeared in translations of Euripides and Sophocles during the 16th-18th centuries, with later standardization in the 19th and 20th centuries as theatre education and critical theory developed around Greek tragedy.
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Antigone" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Antigone" and show contrast in usage.
📚 Vocabulary tip: Learning synonyms and antonyms helps you understand nuanced differences in meaning and improves your word choice in speaking and writing.
Words that rhyme with "Antigone"
-ion 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.
