4 syllables: Ca, te, ches, is. Stress on ches.
kat-uh-KEE-sis
/kætəˈkiːsɪs/
Catechesis is pronounced kat-uh-KEE-sis (/kætəˈkiːsɪs/). It has four syllables (Ca-te-ches-is), with the stress on "ches". Catechesis is the organized instruction given to a person in the fundamentals of a particular religion, especially Christianity. It typically involves teaching beliefs, practices, and morals in a structured program, often through catechisms, sermons, and classes. The term also denotes the broader process of forming someone in faith, doctrine, and spiritual discipline within a community.
nounCatechesis is the organized instruction given to a person in the fundamentals of a particular religion, especially Christianity. It typically involves teaching beliefs, practices, and morals in a structured program, often through catechisms, sermons, and classes. The term also denotes the broader process of forming someone in faith, doctrine, and spiritual discipline within a community.
How to Pronounce Catechesis
"The new catechesis program aims to prepare young adults for their first communion."
"Her role includes catechesis, shepherding families through doctrinal study."
"The priest outlined catechesis methods that integrate scripture with daily life."
Pronounce as /ˌkætəˈkɛsɪs/ in US; /ˌkætəˈkɛsɪs/ in UK; /ˌkætəˈkesɪs/ in Australian English. Primary stress on the third syllable, -chesis. Start with /kæ/ (cat) then /tə/ (tuh), then /ˈkɛ/ (keh) in the stressed syllable, and end with /sɪs/ (sis). Tip: keep the /t/ light, the /k/ aspirated, and ensure the /ɛ/ is clear in the stressed syllable. Audio reference: compare with typical catech- words in dictionaries for native rhythm.
Common errors: (1) Misplacing stress on the second or first syllable instead of the third, (2) Pronouncing the ‘ch’ as /tʃ/ like in chair, instead of /k/ as in cat- e- kesis, (3) Slurring the middle syllables into a single sound. Correction: place primary stress on the third syllable: ca-te-CHESIS, ensure /k/ is not softened to /s/ or /t/, and pronounce /ˈkɛ/ clearly before /sɪs/. Practice with slow pronunciation and syllable-by-syllable drills.
In US and UK, syllable count stays the same; the main variation is vowel quality and rhoticity. US tends to have rhotic /r/ only in linked consonants, and the /æ/ in /kæt/ is often broader; UK often slightly shorter vowels and non-rhotic accent in careful speech, though /r/ is not pronounced before vowels. AU can blend vowels: /kæˈtæsk/? Not exactly. Focus: /ˌkætəˈkesɪs/ with, US/UK share stress on the third syllable; the key differences lie in vowel purity and r-coloring in surrounding vowels.
The difficulty lies in the multi-syllable rhythm and the cluster -chesis, which requires a clear /k/ followed by a stressed /ɛ/ before /sɪs/. The sequence /təˈkɛ/ can confuse speakers who expect /kɪ/ or /kəs/ endings. Also, the initial /kə/ can blur if you’re not separating syllables. Focus on segmenting: ca-t e-chesis, with a crisp /k/ at the onset of the stressed syllable.
There are no silent letters in catechesis; every letter contributes to the syllable’s sound. The challenge is ensuring that the sequence -chesis is pronounced as /kɛsɪs/ rather than /tʃɛsɪs/ or /tʃəsɪs/. Emphasize the hard /k/ before the /ɛ/ and keep the -sis ending audible.
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Catechesis derives from Greek katechesis (katekhēsis), from kateuein ‘to sound down, to teach by repetition’ and katekhē, ‘instruction or sounding down’. The term appears in ancient Christian writings to describe the oral or written instruction given to new converts in the faith. The Latin catechesis later entered Old French as catechesie and English as catechēsis, with the sense settling on systematic religious instruction. Historically, catechesis evolved from early apostolic catechisms that summarized core beliefs and ethical directives, to structured programs in medieval and post-Reformation education. In modern usage, catechesis often implies a formal curriculum, sometimes including memorization of creeds, sacraments, and moral guidelines, designed to prepare individuals for rites, membership, or ministry. First known uses appear in early Christian writers such as Irenaeus and Tertullian, with fuller documentation in later church fathers who describe catechetical schools and instruction for catechumens. The word’s journey mirrors Christianity’s shift from informal teaching by elders to institutionally organized religious education.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Catechesis" and can often be used interchangeably.
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Words that rhyme with "Catechesis"
-sis sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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