2 syllables: Bau, cis. Stress on Bau.
BAW-sis
/ˈbɔːsɪs/
Baucis is pronounced BAW-sis (/ˈbɔːsɪs/). It has two syllables (Bau-cis), with the stress on "Bau". Baucis is a proper noun, the name of an elderly woman in Greek myth who, with her husband Philemon, hosted Zeus and Hermes in Xenophon and Ovid’s adaptations. In literature, it denotes a refined, classical female name and is occasionally used as a surname. The pronunciation emphasizes a long a vowel and a soft, final -is, yielding a melodic, classical cadence suitable for mythic or scholarly contexts.
nounBaucis is a proper noun, the name of an elderly woman in Greek myth who, with her husband Philemon, hosted Zeus and Hermes in Xenophon and Ovid’s adaptations. In literature, it denotes a refined, classical female name and is occasionally used as a surname. The pronunciation emphasizes a long a vowel and a soft, final -is, yielding a melodic, classical cadence suitable for mythic or scholarly contexts.
How to Pronounce Baucis
"- In Ovid’s Metamorphoses, Baucis and Philemon exemplify hospitality and piety."
"- The character Baucis is often cited in discussions of ancient Greek myth and translation."
"- Scholars note the name Baucis for its phonetic elegance in English prose."
Phonetic pronunciation: /ˈbɔː.sɪs/ in US and UK; in careful speech the first syllable is stressed and has a long 'aw' sound, similar to 'baw' without a 'l'. The second syllable is a short 'cis' with a soft 's' ending. For Australians, you’ll often hear /ˈbɔː.sɪs/ as well, with a slightly flatter vowel and clearer final -s. Try to keep the vowels lax and the final consonant voiceless. Audio reference: listen to classical Latin/Greek name pronunciations in Pronounce or Forvo and mimic the stress on the first syllable.
Two main pitfalls: 1) misplacing stress on the second syllable, which makes it sound unfamiliar; 2) treating the first vowel as a short /ɒ/ or short /æ/ instead of the broad, longer /ɔː/ or /ɔ/ near British pronunciations. Correct by ensuring the first vowel is open and prolonged (like 'baw'), and keep the second syllable crisp with a light /s/ sound. Practice with minimal pairs such as BAU-cis vs. baw-CIS to feel the contrast, and listen to a steady, classical cadence.
US tends to use /ˈbɔː.sɪs/ with a longer open back vowel in the first syllable and a clear, unstressed final -s. UK tends to preserve /ˈbɔː.sɪs/ with a slightly more rounded vowel, and rhoticity is not strongly involved here since there is no /r/. Australian speech is similar to UK/US but may feature a more centralized or reduced vowel in the second syllable and a crisper final -s. Across all three, the first syllable is stressed; the key differences lie in vowel quality and the speed of the final syllable.
Because it’s a multi-syllable classical Greek name with a long first-vowel quality and a soft, light final consonant cluster. The first syllable demands a broad open-back vowel, not a short lax vowel, and the final -is requires a clean, voiceless /s/ without voicing or diacritic marks. People often misplace stress or shorten the first vowel. Focus on maintaining even tempo: BAU-cis, with a breath after the first syllable to ensure the second stays brief.
Baucis is a named mythological figure with a classic, rarely-used spelling that can confuse readers who expect simpler English phonology. The combination BAU- in particular is less common than familiar words, making mix-ups with other 'auc-' words (auction, august) natural. The uniqueness comes from its strong first-syllable vowel and the crisp, light second syllable. Listen to authoritative pronunciations in Pronounce, Forvo, or YouGlish to anchor your mental model.
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- US: /ˈbɔː.sɪs/; keep the first vowel broad and open, rhoticity does not apply here. - UK: /ˈbɔː.sɪs/; slightly more rounded vowel, crisp final /s/. - AU: /ˈbɔː.sɪs/; tends to be slightly flatter vowel; maintain /s/ clarity. - Common features: non-rhoticity in all, final /s/ aspiration and a long first vowel. - Practical tip: practice with tongue relaxed, lips unrounded yet rounded enough to produce the broad /ɔː/; avoid a tight jaw.
Baucis originates from ancient Greek Βαυκίς (Baukís), a mythic name associated with hospitality and piety. The root of the name is uncertain, but scholars link it to Greek phonology and possibly to a Proto-Indo-European root related to brightness or divinity, though this remains speculative. The name appears in Greek myths and was adopted into Latin works, including Ovid’s Metamorphoses, influencing later European literature. In English, Baucis entered as a proper noun in classical translations and adaptations, retaining its diacritical elegance and long first syllable. The myth of Baucis and Philemon was well-known in antiquity, reflecting themes of hospitality, reciprocity, and divine visitation. Over time, Baucis has become a literary symbol of generous, sacrificial hospitality and a reference point in discussions of mythological storytelling. In modern usage, the name is primarily encountered in academic or literary contexts and occasionally as a distinctive family name or nickname, preserving its classical sound and dignified cadence.
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
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Words that rhyme with "Baucis"
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