3 syllables: Eu, ryth, mics. Stress on ryth.
yoo-RITH-miks
/juːˈrɪðmɪks/
Eurythmics is pronounced yoo-RITH-miks (/juːˈrɪðmɪks/). It has three syllables (Eu-ryth-mics), with the stress on "ryth". Eurythmics is a proper noun referring to the British music duo known for synth-pop and new wave in the 1980s. The term itself also evokes the related modern-phonetic prefix eury- meaning broad or good, plus -thmics, and is pronounced as a two-syllable, distinct proper noun with stress on the first syllable. It’s typically used as a title or brand name rather than in ordinary speech.
nounEurythmics is a proper noun referring to the British music duo known for synth-pop and new wave in the 1980s. The term itself also evokes the related modern-phonetic prefix eury- meaning broad or good, plus -thmics, and is pronounced as a two-syllable, distinct proper noun with stress on the first syllable. It’s typically used as a title or brand name rather than in ordinary speech.
"The Eurythmics revolutionized 80s pop with innovative production."
"I recently watched a documentary about the origins of Eurythmics."
"Fans of synth-pop often cite Eurythmics as a major influence."
/juˈrɪθmɪks/ in US and UK English, with first syllable stress. Start with a palatalized /j/ + /uː/ sound, then a short /ɹ/ consonant, followed by a clear /ɪ/ in the second syllable, a voiceless /θ/ in the middle, then /mɪks/ with final /ks/. The sequence emphasizes the first syllable: eu- as /juː/ or /jə/ depending on speaker. Listen for a crisp /θ/ rather than a /f/ or /s/ substitute. Audio references: [Forvo], [Pronounce], and standard dictionaries.
Common errors include pronouncing the first syllable as /juːrɪ-/, conflating /θ/ with /s/ or /t/, and misplacing the stress on the second syllable. Correction tips: keep the stress on the first syllable and pronounce /θ/ clearly in the /rɪθ/ cluster, avoid replacing it with /s/ or /t/. Ensure the final /mɪks/ has a light, clipped /k/ before /s/ and don’t voice the final /s/ as /z/. Use minimal pairs to practice: /juˈrɪθmɪks/ vs /juˈrɪθmɪk/ (without final /s/).
US and UK share /juˈrɪθmɪks/ with the same first syllable; differences arise mainly in rhoticity and vowel quality in connected speech. US speakers may produce a slightly stronger /ɹ/ before /ɪ/ and a more pronounced /ɪ/ in the second syllable; UK speakers often lean toward a more clipped /ɪ/ and less rhoticity in fast speech. Australian speech is generally non-rhotic with vowel qualities varying; expect a slightly reduced second vowel in connected speech and less dental friction noise on /θ/. IPA remains the same for the core syllables, but assimilation and intonation can vary.
The difficulty lies in the initial /juː/ sequence followed by the dental fricative /θ/ in the middle and the cluster /mɪks/ at the end. The /θ/ is a common source of error for many speakers who substitute /t/ or /f/. The multi-syllabic rhythm and emphasis on the first syllable require precise timing and mouth shaping: lips forward, tongue blade raised to approximate the dental fricative, and a quick transition into /mɪks/. Slow practice with IPA helps you lock the sequence.
The word contains a rare initial /juː/ onset followed by an unstressed /rɪ/ and dental /θ/ before the /mɪks/ cluster; the dental fricative /θ/ is uncommon in many language backgrounds, making it a distinctive feature. People often default to /t/ or /s/ in place of /θ/. Paying attention to the dental placement—tip of the tongue resting behind the upper teeth—will help you articulate the /θ/ accurately, keeping the stress on the first syllable and maintaining a crisp /ks/ at the end.
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Eurythmics originates from the Greek roots eu-, meaning good, well, or true, and rhuthmos (rhythmos in transliteration), meaning rhythm. The combination conveys “good rhythm” or “true rhythm.” The term was co-opted in modern usage as the name of the British pop duo formed in the late 1970s by Annie Lennox and David A. Stewart. The group adopted the name to reflect a harmony of musical rhythm and aesthetic style rather than a standard word in English. Its first widely recognized use is tied to the band’s formation and early gigs, with increasing prominence in the early 1980s as their popularity grew internationally. Over time, the word has become almost exclusively associated with the duo, and less with any generic connotation of rhythm therapy or other uses. The brand identity solidified as they released landmark albums such as Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) (1983) and ongoing hits, embedding the name in popular culture, music history, and contemporary references to early 80s pop production. In modern contexts, the term generally evokes the duo and its music rather than any broader etymological sense.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Eurythmics" and can often be used interchangeably.
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Words that rhyme with "Eurythmics"
-cs? sounds
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