3 syllables: mag, net, ic. Stress on net.
mag-NET-ik
/mæˈɡnɛtɪk/
magnetic is pronounced mag-NET-ik (/mæˈɡnɛtɪk/). It has three syllables (mag-net-ic), with the stress on "net". Magnetic describes something that produces or is affected by a magnetic field, or that strongly attracts or draws in attention. It can refer to physical magnetism, or metaphorically to charisma or allure. The word conveys a sense of attracting force or compelling appeal.
Magnetic describes something that produces or is affected by a magnetic field, or that strongly attracts or draws in attention. It can refer to physical magnetism, or metaphorically to charisma or allure. The word conveys a sense of attracting force or compelling appeal.
"The magnetic field around the coil is measured in tesla."
"She has a magnetic personality that draws people to her."
"The company’s magnetic branding pulled customers from competitors."
It’s pronounced MAG-NE-tic with the primary stress on the first syllable. In IPA for US/UK/AU: US: /ˈmæɡ.nə.tɪk/, UK: /ˈmæɡ.nɪ.tɪk/, AU: /ˈmæɡ.nɪ.tɪk/. Note the middle vowel is a schwa /ə/ in US, and a short /ɪ/ in UK/AU; the final -tic uses /tɪk/. Keep a crisp /g/ sound between /æ/ and the next vowel, and release the /t/ clearly. Consider a quick mouth position: mouth opens to /æ/, back of tongue rises to /g/ release, then /n/ with a light hum, then /ə/ or /ɪ/ leading into /t/ and /k/. Audio reference: try listening to pronunciations on Cambridge or Forvo for verification, then imitate the precise timing of the syllable onsets.
Two frequent errors: (1) Misplacing stress or reducing the first syllable to a less prominent sound, and (2) blending the /n/ too closely with the following /ɪ/ so it sounds like /mæɡnɪtɪk/ without clear syllable boundaries. Correct by enforcing a distinct /n/ onset before the final /ɪk/ and ensuring the middle vowel is clear: US with /ə/, UK/AU with /ɪ/. Practicing slow, then normal-speed repeats helps your brain segment MAG-NE-tic correctly. Use a mirror to monitor lip movements and practice with minimal pairs that emphasize the middle vowel: /mæɡnə/ vs /mæɡnɪ/ in rapid speech.
Across accents, the first syllable remains stressed, but the middle vowel shifts: US tends toward /ə/ (Schwa) as /mæɡ.nə.tɪk/, UK/ AU lean toward a clearer /ɪ/ in the second syllable: /mæɡ.nɪ.tɪk/. The final syllable /tɪk/ is generally the same, though some rapid UK speech might reduce to a lightly released /tɪk/ or even a syllabic /tɪ/. Rhoticity doesn’t alter the word’s core vowels; focus on the middle vowel quality and the /ɡn/ cluster timing. Listen to regional exemplars and notice whether the /ə/ or /ɪ/ predominates in the second syllable.
The challenge lies in the /æ/ to /ɡ/ transition, then the /n/ cluster linked to a light, often reduced /ə/ or /ɪ/ in the second syllable, and finally the /t/ /k/ release. The /gn/ sequence can blur if the /n/ isn’t clearly separated from the preceding /g/. Also, the final /ɪk/ can be reduced in fast speech. To master, practice slow, exaggerating each consonant, then compress into natural speed while maintaining segment boundaries and consistent stress on the first syllable.
Yes—watch the middle vowel in the second syllable. In many speakers, it’s the tricky /ə/ (schwa) or a short /ɪ/ depending on region, which changes the perceived rhythm. Keeping the /n/ firmly attached to the preceding /g/ (to form /ɡn/) and ensuring the dip into /ɪ/ or /ə/ before /t/ helps maintain the natural cadence. Visualize the mouth movement: lips relaxed for /æ/ then quick reach to a hard /g/ release, followed by a clean /n/ with air through the nose, then a light /ɪ/ or /ə/ before /t/ and /k/.
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Magnetic comes from the Medieval Latin magneticus, from Latin magnes (magnet, lodestone). Its ultimate origin traces to Greek magnes, from magné̄s lithos ‘lodestone, compass stone.’ The root magné̄s is linked to the ancient belief that the lodestone possessed special powers to attract iron. Over time, the term broadened from the literal property of minerals to describe anything related to magnetism or magnetic influence. In early modern science, magnetic was used to describe forces and materials responding to magnetic fields, and later extended to figurative senses like magnetic charisma or pull. The word entered English via Latin and Greek scholarly vocabularies, with the suffix -ic forming an adjective to denote relating to or characterized by. First known uses in English appear in the 17th century, with scientific writings expanding its meaning as magnetism was better understood. Today, magnetic is used across physics, engineering, marketing, and everyday language to denote both physical magnetism and compelling appeal. The evolution mirrors a shift from a literal lodestone to a broader metaphor for attraction and influence. In modern dictionaries, magnetic is defined primarily as relating to magnets and magnetism, with a secondary sense of strong attractiveness or captivating influence. The noun form magnetism shares the root, emphasizing the concept of an attractive force, whether physical or symbolic. The historical progression shows linguistic adaptation from material science into broad cultural usage. The term remains central in physics (magnetic fields, magnetic resonance) while maintaining a robust metaphorical utility in media and social discourse.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "magnetic" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "magnetic" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "magnetic"
-tic sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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