2 syllables: graph, ic. Stress on graph.
GRAF-ik
/ˈɡɹæfɪk/
graphic is pronounced GRAF-ik (/ˈɡɹæfɪk/). It has two syllables (graph-ic), with the stress on "graph". Graphic describes something shown or described in vivid detail, typically with strong visual impact. It can refer to explicit images or information presented with clarity and precision. In everyday use, it often conveys a sense of vivid, illustrative content or design-related aesthetics, especially in media, publishing, or communication contexts.
Graphic describes something shown or described in vivid detail, typically with strong visual impact. It can refer to explicit images or information presented with clarity and precision. In everyday use, it often conveys a sense of vivid, illustrative content or design-related aesthetics, especially in media, publishing, or communication contexts.
"The report included a graphic chart that made the data easy to understand."
"Her design portfolio features a bold, graphic style with sharp lines and high contrast."
"Be careful with the graphic images in the presentation; they may be unsettling for some viewers."
Pronounce as /ˈɡræfɪk/. The stress is on the first syllable: GRAF-ik. Start with the /ɡ/ sound, then /r/ with a light, quick release, followed by /æ/ as in 'cat'. The second syllable is a short /ɪ/ followed by /k/. The final /k/ is unreleased in rapid speech. You can think of it as GRAPH-ik, with the vowel reduced slightly in casual speech to a near-schwa in some dialects.
Common errors include turning /æ/ into a more open vowel like /æː/ or misplacing the /r/ as a rolled /ɹ/ in some accents. Some speakers also glide the /ɪ/ too long, making 'graphic' sound like 'graf-eek.' To correct: keep /æ/ crisp, release /k/ clearly, and end with a short /ɪk/. Practice discrete sounds: /ɡ/ + /r/ cluster, then /æ/ and /ɪ/ quickly, finishing with /k/.
In US and UK, the initial /ɡr/ cluster is similar, with /æ/ typical for both, but rhoticity affects the preceding vowel in connected speech: Americans may drop a light /r/ coloring in some rapid speech, UK speakers remain non-rhotic in standard accents so /r/ is less pronounced before vowels. Australian speakers tend to have a broader /æ/ and a shorter /ɪ/; vowel quality can shift toward /eɪ/ in some dialects in connected speech. Overall, stress remains on the first syllable across dialects.
The difficulty lies in the /ɡræf/ onset: the /ræ/ is a short, tense vowel that can be mispronounced when quick. The /r/ following /ɡ/ requires a careful alveolar approximant; many speakers blend it or omit it in fast speech. Also, the final /k/ must not be released as a stop into a fricative; keeping a clean /k/ during quick speech helps clarity. Mastery comes from crisp consonant compression and steady vowel timing.
A unique question: Is there a silent letter in 'graphic'? No. The “ph” is pronounced as /f/, not /p/ or /ph/; this is a consonant digraph where 'ph' represents the /f/ sound. The word is two syllables with primary stress on the first. In careful speech, avoid inserting extra vowels: say /ˈɡræfɪk/ with a clear /æ/ and laconic /ɪ/ before /k/.
🗣️ Voice search tip: These questions are optimized for voice search. Try asking your voice assistant any of these questions about "graphic"!
US: rhotic, clear /r/ in all positions; /æ/ slightly more open; /ɡ/ strongly released. UK: non-rhotic before vowels, weaker postconsonantal /r/; /æ/ a bit tenser, shorter; final /k/ crisp. AU: broader vowel quality, /æ/ slightly fronted; /ɹ/ less pronounced in some contexts; stress similar. IPA references: /ˈɡræfɪk/.
Graphic comes from the late Latin graphicus, meaning ‘drawn or written,’ from graph- ‘write, draw’ + -ic. The root is Greek graphē ‘writing, drawing’ via Latin grafia. In English, graphic appeared in the 16th century tied to art and writing, evolving to mean ‘pertaining to drawing’ or ‘a vivid, detailed representation.’ Over time, the word broadened to include visual designs with intentional detail or emphasis, leading to modern senses in art, design, publishing, and sometimes explicit imagery. Its semantic shift mirrors the growth of visual media: from hand-drawn illustrations to data visuals and multimedia graphics, with usage expanding in media, marketing, and UI/UX contexts. First known use in English records occurs in the 1500s, initially aligning with “writing” and “drawing,” and by the 19th century adopting technical senses in printing and graphic arts. The word also contributed to compound terms like graphic design and graphic novel, cementing its association with intentional visual communication.
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
Help others use "graphic" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "graphic" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "graphic" 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 "graphic"
-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.
