2 syllables: civ, ics. Stress on civ.
SIV-iks
/ˈsɪvɪks/
civics is pronounced SIV-iks (/ˈsɪvɪks/). It has two syllables (civ-ics), with the stress on "civ". Civics refers to the study or practice of the rights and duties of citizens within a political community. More broadly, it can denote courses or curricula focused on government, citizenship, and civic engagement. In everyday use, it may describe activities, classes, or materials related to understanding governance and civic responsibilities.
Civics refers to the study or practice of the rights and duties of citizens within a political community. More broadly, it can denote courses or curricula focused on government, citizenship, and civic engagement. In everyday use, it may describe activities, classes, or materials related to understanding governance and civic responsibilities.
"The university offers a civics elective that covers local government structure."
"She joined a civics club to discuss voter education and community service."
"As part of the course, students analyzed a civic case study about municipal budgeting."
You say CIV-iks with the primary stress on the first syllable: /ˈsɪvɪks/. The mouth starts with a short, lax i in the first syllable, followed by a quick, unstressed second syllable. The final s is the same voiceless s as in 'sims' or 'sits', so avoid adding a z-like buzzing. IPA: US/UK/AU share /ˈsɪvɪks/; keep the /v/ voiced and the /ɪ/ vowels short. If you want a natural sound, ensure the second syllable is reduced rather than strongly stressed.
Common mistakes: 1) stressing the second syllable (SI-viks) instead of the first; 2) mispronouncing the first vowel as a long /iː/ or /siː/; 3) devoicing or weakening the /v/ or misplacing the tongue for the /v/ around the /ɪ/. Correction: keep the first syllable /ˈsɪ/ with a brief /ɪ/ and a controlled /v/; end with clear /ɪks/.
In US/UK/AU, /ˈsɪvɪks/ is consistent, with rhoticity affecting only postvocalic r in related words; 'civics' has no r. UK and AU often have slightly crisper final /s/; US speakers may slightly raise or reduce the second /ɪ/ depending on speaker. The main difference is vowel quality: US may be a bit darker in /ɪ/; UK often crisper and tensed. Overall, the /ˈsɪvɪks/ pattern remains stable across accents.
Two main challenges: the short, lax vowel in the first syllable /ɪ/ followed by the /v/ and the rapid transition to /ɪ/ in the second syllable. Some speakers merge /ɪ/ with /ɪ/ or reduce the first vowel; others overemphasize the second vowel. Additionally, the final /ks/ cluster requires precise articulation to avoid a potential /ks/ blend into /s/ or /k/. Practice precise tongue placement for /v/ and a clean, quick /ɪks/.
The unique feature is the strong initial syllable, /ˈsɪv/, followed by a rapid /ɪks/; ensure the /v/ is clearly voiced while the /ɪ/ of the second syllable remains reduced. Emphasize crisp onset of the second syllable without adding extra stress. This helps distinguish 'civics' from similar words and aligns with typical stress-timed English patterns.
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- US: /ˈsɪvɪks/ with clear /ɪ/ in both syllables and a strong, voiced /v/; keep stress on the first syllable. - UK: similar pattern but with crisper vowel quality; slightly less universal rhoticity impact here as this word doesn't involve /r/. - AU: tends to be similar to US but with a potentially more clipped final /s/ and slightly more forward tongue position for the /ɪs/; maintain the same /ˈsɪvɪks/. Reference IPA: /ˈsɪvɪks/ across variants. - Tips: keep the /v/ labiodental and voiced; avoid glottal stops; maintain a quick, light second syllable.
Civics derives from the Latin civicus, meaning 'of or pertaining to a citizen; civil', from civis meaning 'citizen'. The root civ- relates to city, citizen, and civil affairs. The term entered English via Late Latin and medieval scholarly traditions emphasizing the rights and duties of citizens within a city-state or polity. In classical education, civics referred to the study of civic life and governance; later, in modern times, it became associated with formal schooling about government structures, voting, and civic responsibility. The word has retained its core meaning of public life and citizenry, expanding to include curricula and programs that teach political literacy, civic participation, and the functioning of institutions. First known uses appear in medieval and early modern legal and philosophical texts exploring the responsibilities of citizens within a community. Over centuries, civics evolved to encompass both theoretical and practical aspects of government, law, and civic engagement, becoming a staple subject in social studies and political science education.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "civics" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "civics" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "civics"
-ics sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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