3 syllables: con, cent, ric. Stress on cent.
kuhn-SEN-trik
/kəˈnsɛntɹɪk/
concentric is pronounced kuhn-SEN-trik (/kəˈnsɛntɹɪk/). It has three syllables (con-cent-ric), with the stress on "cent". Concentric describes shapes or objects sharing a common same center, typically arranged in circular layers around that center. It often refers to rings or arcs that have the same center point but different radii. The term conveys a geometric relation, used in mathematics, design, and engineering contexts to denote symmetry around a central axis.
Concentric describes shapes or objects sharing a common same center, typically arranged in circular layers around that center. It often refers to rings or arcs that have the same center point but different radii. The term conveys a geometric relation, used in mathematics, design, and engineering contexts to denote symmetry around a central axis.
"• The target features concentric rings that help mark distances from the center."
"• Architects used concentric circles in the layout to create a sense of harmony."
"• A washer's grooves are concentric, ensuring even distribution of force."
Say con-CEN-tric, with primary stress on the second syllable. IPA US/UK/AU: /kənˈsɛn.trɪk/. Start with a quick, soft 'kən' (unstressed), then a strong 'SEN' with a short, crisp 'e' as in 'set', and finish with a light 'trɪk'. Keep the 't' and 'r' linked but not coalesced. A fast check: 'con-' as 'kun', 'centr-' as 'sen-tr', 'ic' as 'ik'. Audio reference: you can compare the pronunciation on Pronounce or Forvo for precise vowel and consonant timing.
Two main issues: 1) Dropping or softening the /s/ in the stressed syllable, producing kən-ˈɛn-trɪk instead of /kənˈsɛn.trɪk/. 2) Misplacing intensity on the second syllable, making it /kənˈsɛn-trɪk/ with weak /ˈ/. Correction: keep a clean /s/ in the second syllable before /ɛn/ and ensure the mid vowel is a short e as in 'set'. Practice the sequence con-CEN-tric and exaggerate the second syllable briefly to feel the beat.
US/UK/AU share /kənˈsɛn.trɪk/ for concentric, but there are subtle differences: US tends to rhyme 'cen' more with 'sen' and may have a slightly flatter /æ/ in similar words; UK often preserves crisper alveolar t and pidgin-like t-linked 'tr' with less vowel reduction; AU generally follows US vowel quality but may exhibit slightly broader vowel sounds and flatter 'r' in non-rhotic positions, which can affect surrounding vowels. Overall core is the same: stress on second syllable, short 'e' as in 'set', final 'tric' with 'trɪk'.
The difficulty lies in the combination of a cluster at the start, the unstressed 'con-' followed by a strong 'CEN-' and the final 'tric' with a crisp /trɪk/. Many learners misplace the stress or reduce the /s/ and /n/ together, producing /kənˈsɛn.rɪk/ or /kənˈsɛn.trɪk/ with t- or r- blends unclear. Focus on maintaining the 's' sound cleanly before the stressed vowel, and keep the 'tr' sequence tight but not merged with the preceding syllable.
Is there any silent letter in concentric? No. Each letter is pronounced: /k/ in 'con', /ə/ or /ən/ reduction, /s/ in stressed 'sen', /ɛn/ vowel, and /trik/ ending. The primary challenge is not silent letters but correct syllable stress and the crisp 'tr' transition between syllables: con-CEN-tric. Remember that the 'cen' carries the main beat, and the 'tric' lands quickly after.
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Concentric comes from the Latin prefix con- meaning with or together, and centric from centrum meaning center. The term is built on Latin roots: con- (with) + centrum (center) + -ic (forming adjectives). The concept dates back to early geometry and cosmology where circles and spheres with a shared center were used to describe orbits, rings, and circular arrangements. In English, concentric first appeared in the 17th–18th centuries as mathematical and architectural vocabularies expanded, mirroring a growing interest in geometric relations and symmetry. The word emphasizes a common center across multiple circles or rings, distinguishing it from objects that merely appear circular but lack a shared center. Over time, concentric has become a standard descriptor in science, engineering, art, and design, used to describe any layered structure emanating from a single central point, whether in diagrams, gear systems, or decorative motifs.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "concentric" and can often be used interchangeably.
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Words that rhyme with "concentric"
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