3 syllables: dog, mat, ic. Stress on mat.
dahg-MAT-ik
/dɑˈɡmætɪk/
dogmatic is pronounced dahg-MAT-ik (/dɑˈɡmætɪk/). It has three syllables (dog-mat-ic), with the stress on "mat". Dogmatic describes an attitude or system of beliefs that asserts opinions as incontrovertibly true, often ignoring evidence or alternative viewpoints. It characterizes a zealous adherence to doctrine, with rigid, uncompromising principles. In practice, a dogmatic stance can close off critical discussion and prioritize authority over open inquiry.
Dogmatic describes an attitude or system of beliefs that asserts opinions as incontrovertibly true, often ignoring evidence or alternative viewpoints. It characterizes a zealous adherence to doctrine, with rigid, uncompromising principles. In practice, a dogmatic stance can close off critical discussion and prioritize authority over open inquiry.
"Her dogmatic view on nutrition left little room for alternative approaches."
"The professor's dogmatic insistence on one method hindered experimentation."
"In debates, dogmatic speakers can stifle thoughtful exchange with absolute certainties."
Pronounce as /ˈdɒɡ.mæt.ɪk/ (UK) or /ˈdɔːɡ.mæt.ɪk/ (US). The primary stress is on the first syllable ‘DOG,’ with a short, crisp 'dog' vowel and a clear 'mat' in the middle. The final 'ic' is a reduced /ɪk/. Tip: start with a strong initial /d/, pull the jaw open for the /ɒ/ or /ɔː/ vowel, then land on /mæt/ and finish with /ɪk/. Listen for a steady, even tempo without extra vowels between syllables.
Common errors: (1) Slurring the middle syllable as /dəɡˈmæt.ɪk/ with weak emphasis on /mæt/. (2) Confusing /ɒ/ with /ɑː/ in non-rhotic speech, leading to an overly open vowel. (3) Tacking a schwa into '-matic' as /ˈdɔɡ.məˌtɪk/. Correction: maintain a crisp /mæt/ and end with /ɪk/. Practice with minimal pairs: dogmatic vs dogmantic (as a linked form) can help anchor the /æ/ vs /æ.n/ issue.
US: /ˈdɔːɡ.mæt.ɪk/ with a rhotic /r/ influence only in connected speech, vowel sometimes longer /ɔː/. UK: /ˈdɒɡ.mæt.ɪk/ with shorter /ɒ/ and non-rhotic r, smoother linking between syllables. AU: typically similar to UK but with slightly broader vowel quality and a more flattened /æ/ in /mæt/. Across all, the rhythm is trochaic, but vowel lengths and rhoticity subtly shift; stress remains on first syllable.
The difficulty lies in balancing the tight, crisp onset /d/, the short, clipped /ɒ/ or /ɔː/ in the first syllable, and the mid vowel /æ/ in the second, then transitioning to the final /ɪk/. The sequence requires precise tongue elevation and tongue-tip contact for /d/, a compact jaw for /ɒ/ or /ɔː/, and a rapid /mæt/ with clear /æ/. Clarity of final consonant cluster /ɪk/ can be awkward in rapid speech.
The unique aspect is maintaining the level of crisp, segmented syllables without letting the middle /mæt/ merge into /ˈdɒɡ.mæ.tɪk/ or /ˈdɔːɡ.mæ.tɪk/. You want the /mæt/ to land clearly and the /ɪk/ to be short, not drawn out. In practice, focus on ending each syllable with a controlled stop and avoid vowel intrusion between /ɡ/ and /m/.
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The word dogmatic comes from the Greek dogmatikos, meaning 'able to deduce or opinionated,' from dogma, 'a decree, opinion, or doctrine.' The earliest English usage aligns with philosophical or theological contexts, where
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
Help others use "dogmatic" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "dogmatic" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "dogmatic" 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 "dogmatic"
-tic 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.
{ "title": "Dogmatic Pronunciation Master Guide", "sections": [ {"header":"## Sound-by-Sound Breakdown","content":["Phonemes: /d/ /ɒ/ or /ɔː/ /ɡ/ /m/ /æ/ /t/ /ɪ/ /k/", "- /d/: voiced alveolar stop; tip of tongue on alveolar ridge, light aspiration.", "- /ɒ/ (UK) vs /ɔː/ (US): open back rounded vowel; jaw slightly dropped.", "- /ɡ/: velar stop; back of tongue contacts soft palate; release clean." ,"- /m/: bilabial nasal; lips close; hum, not fully closed." ,"- /æ/: near-low front; tongue low-mid; mouth open; keep sound bright." ,"- /t/: voiceless alveolar stop; tip to ridge; release with short puff; avoid extra vowel." ,"- /ɪ/: near-high lax; lips relaxed; quick." ,"- /k/: voiceless velar stop; back of tongue to soft palate; crisp release."],"notes":"Keep syllable boundaries crisp; avoid linking vowels across /t/ and /ɪk/."},{"header":"## Accent Variations","content":["US: /ˈdɔːɡ.mæt.ɪk/; rhotic influence in connected speech may tint /r/ color in preceding context but not in dogmatic itself.","UK: /ˈdɒɡ.mæt.ɪk/; non-rhotic, shorter /ɒ/; less vowel length variation.","AU: /ˈdɒɡ.mæt.ɪk/; broader vowels; keep /æ/ distinct; slight vowel widening; faster speech tendencies."],"notes":"Rhoticity affects linking and vowel quality in connected speech."},{"header":"## Practice Sequence","content":["Minimal pairs: dogmatic vs dogmatic (conceptual contrast shows rhythm) – note that only dogmatic is correct; use it to feel stress positions.","Syllable drills: /dɔː/ - /ɡ/ - /mæt/ - /ɪk/; practice 4 s, 2 s, 1 s pace.","Context sentences: 1) Her dogmatic stance prevented consideration of alternatives. 2) The critic accused the doctrine of dogmatic rigidity. ","3) In debate, he avoided dogmatic assertions and asked questions."],"notes":"Maintain trochaic rhythm: DOG-mat-ic with consistent duration per syllable."},{"header":"## Mastery Checklist","content":["Articulatory positions: crisp onset /d/, clear /ɡ/ stop, distinct /mæt/ vowel, rapid /ɪk/ stop.","Acoustic rhyming: test with words ending in -matic or -gmatic patterns to ensure rhyme accuracy.","Stress/Rhythm: keep primary stress on first syllable and even syllable timing for fluency."],"notes":"Check by recording and comparing with a native sample."}]}
