2 syllables: E, clipse. Stress on clipse.
ik-LIPS
/ɪˈklɪps/
Eclipse is pronounced ik-LIPS (/ɪˈklɪps/). It has two syllables (E-clipse), with the stress on "clipse". Eclipse is a noun referring to the obscuring of one celestial body by another, such as the Moon passing between the Sun and Earth. It can also describe any obscuring or overshadowing effect in a non-astronomical context. The term conveys a temporary invisibility or domination, often dramatic, and is frequently used in science, astronomy, and metaphorical language.
nounEclipse is a noun referring to the obscuring of one celestial body by another, such as the Moon passing between the Sun and Earth. It can also describe any obscuring or overshadowing effect in a non-astronomical context. The term conveys a temporary invisibility or domination, often dramatic, and is frequently used in science, astronomy, and metaphorical language.
How to Pronounce Eclipse
"A solar eclipse drew crowds to the valley to witness the rare celestial event."
"During the meeting, his influence eclipsed hers, leaving her contributions less noticeable."
"The success of the campaign eclipsed previous records for the company."
You pronounce it as /ɪˈklɪps/. Start with a short, lax initial /ɪ/ as in “bit,” then a stressed /klɪ/ with a clear /l/ and a short /ɪ/ before the final /ps/. The final cluster /ps/ is produced sharply with a released p and an immediate s, without vowel prolongation. Think: ih-KLIPS. For audio reference, you can compare to standard US/UK pronunciations: /ɪˈklɪps/ (US/UK).
Common errors include misplacing stress (saying e-CLIPSE), which weakens the key syllable; softening the final /ps/ into /z/ or /s/; and overemphasizing the /k/ sound or turning it into /g/. Correct by ensuring primary stress on the second syllable, keeping /kl/ as a single cluster, and articulating /p/ and /s/ distinctly in sequence: ih-KLIPS.
Across accents, the vowel quality remains /ɪ/ in both US and UK, with rhotics affecting surrounding vowels in connected speech. US speakers often have slightly tighter /ɪ/ and crisper /ps/ ending. UK speakers may show marginally longer vowel duration before /l/ and a more precise /p/ release. Australian speakers typically preserve the same /ɪ/ but may have a lighter /p/ release and smoother transition to /s/. IPA remains /ɪˈklɪps/ in all three, with subtle timing differences.
Two challenges: the consonant cluster /kl/ after a short /ɪ/ and the final /ps/ sequence. The /kl/ cluster requires precise tongue positioning with the tip near the alveolar ridge and the blade of the tongue close to the palate without creating extra vowel sounds. The final /ps/ is a voiceless cluster that demands quick p-release followed immediately by an s sound. Practice by isolating /kl/ and /ps/ and blending them smoothly in words like ‘clip’ + ‘s’ to mimic the transition.
Unique to practice is the exact sequencing: a stressed syllable with /klɪ/ followed by a final /ps/ cluster. The word’s rhythm emphasizes the strong secondary consonant cluster just before the weak ending, so you’ll feel a brief pause-like moment between /ɪ/ and /p/. Ensure there’s a crisp stop on /p/ and a clean fricative /s/ right after. This separation helps listeners parse the two consonant groups distinctly.
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Eclipse comes from the Old French eclipsie, which itself derives from the Latin eclipsis, from the Greek ekleipsis ( الاق εκπλήξ? — not literal). The root elements are ek- (out) + lepsis (taking, receiving), from lepein or lambanein meaning to seize or take. The term began in astronomical contexts to describe the moment when one body hides another from view. The Greek term was adopted into Latin as eclipsis, and later into Old French as eclipsie before entering Middle English in the early modern period. By the 14th–15th centuries, eclipse referred primarily to astronomical obscuration and gradually broadened to metaphorical uses such as “the eclipse of a rival’s influence.” The core sense remains the same: an obscuring or overshadowing event that alters visibility or prominence, often for a distinct period, followed by a return to normal as the phenomenon passes. In modern usage, eclipse retains both the literal celestial sense and broad figurative appeal in literature, science journalism, and everyday speech, underscoring the moment when light or significance is temporarily hidden and then revealed again.
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Eclipse" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Eclipse" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "Eclipse"
-ips sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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