2 syllables: Cy, cle. Stress on Cy.
SEYE-kuhl
/ˈsaɪkəl/
Cycle is pronounced SEYE-kuhl (/ˈsaɪkəl/). It has two syllables (Cy-cle), with the stress on "Cy". Cycle is a noun referring to a complete set or series that repeats in a cycle, such as seasons, a bicycle’s mechanism, or stages in a process. It denotes repetition with a definable start and end, followed by recurrence. The term often implies a cyclical, ongoing pattern rather than a linear progression.
nounCycle is a noun referring to a complete set or series that repeats in a cycle, such as seasons, a bicycle’s mechanism, or stages in a process. It denotes repetition with a definable start and end, followed by recurrence. The term often implies a cyclical, ongoing pattern rather than a linear progression.
- You focus too much on the /s/ to /z/ confusion—keep the /s/ crisp, not voiced. - You let the /aɪ/ glide into a longer /i/ or /eɪ; aim for a clean /aɪ/ as in cry. - You shortchange the final /əl/; avoid fully pronouncing /əl/ as /l/ only; allow a quick schwa before the /l/. - You under-articulate the /k/; ensure a crisp stop-release before the final vowel.
"The washing machine drum rotates through a cycle of wash, rinse, and spin."
"We followed a five-stage cycle of planning, implementing, reviewing, and refining."
"Her workout routine alternates between high-intensity and recovery cycles."
Cycle is pronounced with two syllables: /ˈsaɪ.kəl/. The stress is on the first syllable. Start with an /s/ sound, move to the diphthong /aɪ/ as in “my,” then a clear /k/ followed by a schwa /ə/ or a lighter /ɪ/ in many speakers, ending with /l/. Think: SAY-kəl. Listen to the pronunciation in dictionaries and audio resources for nuance in different accents.
Common errors include conflating the initial /s/ into /z/ (saying /zˈaɪ.kəl/) and reducing the second syllable to a strong /l/ without vocalizing the vowel, producing /saɪl/. Another frequent mistake is misplacing the stress, making it /ˈsaɪ.kəl/ or /saɪˈkəl/. Focus on maintaining a clear /aɪ/ diphthong, a light intermediary vowel before /l/, and keeping the /k/ crisp.
In US, UK, and AU accents, the initial /s/ and /aɪ/ are consistent, but the second vowel often reduces to a schwa /ə/ in non-rhotic and Australian speakers; some accents may have a shorter /ɪ/ or a more central /ə/ in the second syllable. Rhotic differences don’t alter the /ˈsaɪ/ onset much, but the final /əl/ may be realized closer to /əl/ (US closer to /əl/; UK may have a lighter /ə/). Overall, the rhythm remains CY-cle with a slight vowel reduction in faster speech.
The difficulty comes from the diphthong /aɪ/ in the first syllable and the reduced, unstressed final syllable /əl/. The /ɪ/ or /ə/ can be subtle, and many non-native speakers mis-time the transition from /aɪ/ to /k/ and blend the final /l/. Achieving a crisp /k/ release before the vowel and a light /l/ at the end requires precise tongue posture and jaw relaxation. Practice with slow enunciation and recording can help.
A distinctive point is the two-consonant boundary /k/ before the final syllable, requiring a clean stop, then a quick release into /əl/. Some speakers insert a very brief nucleus in the second syllable, sounding more like /ˈsaɪ.kəl/ with a lightly reduced vowel. Keeping the /k/ tight and ensuring the final /l/ is not swallowed will improve intelligibility across contexts.
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- US: rhotics typically present; Final syllable has a clear /əl/ with a weak vowel; /ɪ/ may be closer to a schwa in fast speech. - UK: non-rhotic; final syllable may be less pronounced; crisp /k/ release is essential; /əl/ often realized as a reduced /əl/ or /l/ with minimal vowel. - AU: similar to US but with more vowel reduction in casual speech; final /əl/ can be a darker /l/; watch for Australian vowel shifts that can affect the /aɪ/ onset. IPA references included for comparison.
Cycle originates from the Latin circulus meaning ‘a small circle or ring,’ diminutive of circus ‘ring, circle.’ The Greek kyklos, meaning ‘circle,’ contributed the sense of a recurring circuit. In English, cycle began in the 14th century, initially referring to a circular path or movement, and by the 15th–17th centuries extended to describe recurring patterns in nature and human activity. The modern sense of a bicycle (cycle) emerged in the 19th century as shorthand for ‘bicycle’—the contraption that completes a wheel-based cycle. Over time, cycle broadened to describe any recurrent sequence, including technological, biological, and social processes. First known uses include phrases like “geocycle” or “cycle of seasons.” The word’s adaptability mirrors its Greek-rooted idea of circular motion and repetition, making it a versatile term across disciplines, from physics and economics to daily life routines.
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
Help others use "Cycle" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "Cycle" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Cycle" 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 "Cycle"
-cle 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.
