2 syllables: fe, tus. Stress on fe.
FEE-tuhs
/ˈfitəs/
fetus is pronounced FEE-tuhs (/ˈfitəs/). It has two syllables (fe-tus), with the stress on "fe". A developing mammal in the prenatal stage, typically up to the start of the third month of gestation in humans. In common usage, it refers to an unborn offspring or embryo/fetus in late pregnancy, used in medical, biological, and informal contexts. The term emphasizes the later developmental phase before birth, distinct from earlier embryonic stages.
A developing mammal in the prenatal stage, typically up to the start of the third month of gestation in humans. In common usage, it refers to an unborn offspring or embryo/fetus in late pregnancy, used in medical, biological, and informal contexts. The term emphasizes the later developmental phase before birth, distinct from earlier embryonic stages.
- You might glide from /fiː/ into /ti/ without a clear /t/ release; practice stopping the tongue at the alveolar ridge for a crisp /t/ before the schwa. - The final /əs/ can be pronounced as /əs/ (unstressed) or a quick /əs/; consistently aim for a short, neutral schwa before an /s/ sound. - Distinguish /fiː/ from /fɪ/; keep the long /iː/ to avoid sounding like 'feet-us' vs 'fit-us' mistakes. - In fast speech, speakers might insert extra vowels: practice with deliberate pace to prevent extra syllables; keep it two-syllable rhythm FE-tus.
"The fetus shows rapid brain activity in the final weeks before birth."
"Doctors monitor the fetus to ensure healthy development during pregnancy."
"Certain medications can affect fetal development, so doctors advise caution."
You say FE-tus, with primary stress on FE. IPA in US/UK/AU is /ˈfiːtəs/. Start with a long E sound /iː/ as in 'see', then a clean /t/ followed by a schwa /ə/ or /əs/ depending on speed. Ensure the /t/ is not delayed or flapped; keep a crisp stop before the final /əs/.
Mistakes include turning /fiː/ into a short /fɪ/ or adding extra syllables (fe-uh-tus). Another common error is mispronouncing the final /əs/ as /z/ or /ɪz/. Focus on maintaining the /ˈfiː/ syllable, then a clear /t/ and a reduced final schwa /ə/ or /əs/.
In US/UK/AU, the initial vowel remains /iː/ as in 'fee'. The main differences are vowel length and rhoticity: UK tends to be non-rhotic, but /ˈfiːtəs/ remains similar; AU generally rhotic but with subtle vowel width changes. The /t/ can be released crisply in all; some speakers insert a small vowel before /s/ in rapid speech.
The combination /fiː/ followed by /t/ and /əs/ requires precise tongue placement; the alveolar /t/ with keinen delay before the schwa can be tricky in rapid speech. Additionally, many speakers then run the final /əs/ quickly, which can blur the /t/ and create an /ətəs/ or /təs/ realization.
Fetus has regular stress on the first syllable, no silent letters. The challenge is not silent letters but producing a crisp alveolar /t/ and the unstressed, reduced final /əs/. Mastery comes from separating the two syllables cleanly and ensuring the final /əs/ is not too rounded.
🗣️ Voice search tip: These questions are optimized for voice search. Try asking your voice assistant any of these questions about "fetus"!
- US: clear rhoticity; ensure /r/ is not introduced in FE; note final /s/ unvoiced. - UK: typically non-rhotic; maintain crisp /t/ and final /s/ without intrusive linking; keep second syllable unstressed but audible. - AU: generally rhotic; maintain the same two-syllable pattern but be aware of broader vowel space; keep mouth relaxed around /ə/; slight vowel lowering before /s/ may occur in casual speech.
The word fetus comes from Latin fetus meaning
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
Help others use "fetus" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "fetus" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "fetus" 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 "fetus"
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.
