3 syllables: Nos, tal, gic. Stress on tal.
naw-STAL-jik
/nɔˈstældʒɪk/
Nostalgic is pronounced naw-STAL-jik (/nɔˈstældʒɪk/). It has three syllables (Nos-tal-gic), with the stress on "tal". Nostalgic is a noun describing a feeling or memory of the past that is bittersweet or wistful. It can also be used to characterize art, objects, or moments that evoke or express nostalgia. In common usage, it conveys sentimental longing rather than precise recollection, often connected with personal or cultural memory.
nounNostalgic is a noun describing a feeling or memory of the past that is bittersweet or wistful. It can also be used to characterize art, objects, or moments that evoke or express nostalgia. In common usage, it conveys sentimental longing rather than precise recollection, often connected with personal or cultural memory.
- You may prematurely reduce the second syllable (nuh-STAL-jik) by making it a quick, weak vowel; instead hold a clear /æ/ in TAL. - Confuse the final -gic with a hard /g/ or /gɪk/; aim for /dʒɪk/ with a light, voiced /dʒ/. - In rapid speech, the /st/ cluster can swallow; practice isolating /st/ then /dʒ/ to maintain distinct sounds.
"The film has a nostalgic atmosphere, reminding viewers of their childhood summers."
"Her letter was filled with nostalgic references to her hometown."
"The designer’s collection drew on nostalgic 1960s imagery with a modern twist."
Nostalgic is pronounced no-STAHL-jik in US and UK English, with primary stress on the second syllable. IPA: US /nəˈstæl.dʒɪk/ (amended to /noʊˈstæl.dʒɪk/ in closer US transcription), UK /nɒˈstæl.dʒɪk/, AU /nɒˈstæl.dʒɪk/. Pay attention to the /ˈstæl/ or /ˈstæl/ cluster and the final /dʒɪk/ as in judge. In careful speech, ensure the middle syllable has clear /æ/ as in “cat,” and finish with a soft /dʒɪk/ rather than a harder /g/. Practically: say “no-stal-jik,” with the stress on TAL, and keep the /j/ light, not a strong /dʒ/ blow.”
Common errors include misplacing the stress (pronouncing na-STAL-gic) and substituting /æ/ with /æɪ/ in the second syllable, or over-emphasizing the final -gic as /gik/ instead of /dʒɪk/. To correct: emphasize the second syllable with a flat, clear /æ/ and glide smoothly into the /dʒ/ sound, avoiding an abrupt /g/ stop. Practice saying “no-stal-jik” slowly, then speed up while keeping the middle vowel crisp and the final consonant lightly voiced.
In US and UK, the second syllable carries primary stress: /nəˈstæl.dʒɪk/ (US) vs /nɒˈstæl.dʒɪk/ (UK). The first vowel in the first syllable shifts: US often a schwa /ə/ before /ˈstæl-/, UK tends toward a clipped /ɒ/ or /ə/ depending on speaker. Australian English generally follows non-rhotic patterns with /nɒˈstældʒɪk/ and less vowel rounding. The final /dʒɪk/ is consistently /dʒɪk/ across accents but may be slightly softened in rapid speech. In all cases, maintain the /æ/ in TAL and the /dʒ/ blend without a strong de-voicing.
The challenge lies in juggling two consonant clusters: the /st/ at the start of the stressed syllable and the /dʒ/ that starts the final consonant cluster, which can blur into /g/ in fast speech. The middle vowel /æ/ must be precise and not reduced to schwa in careful speech. Also, many learners misplace the primary stress, saying no-STAL-gic instead of nəs-TAWL-dʒɪk. Focus on keeping the second syllable prominent, enunciate /dʒ/ clearly, and resist substituting /æ/ with /eɪ/.
Note that nostalgic commonly triggers a subtle liaison: the /l/ of the second syllable can blend with the /dʒ/ of the final syllable if spoken quickly, producing /ˈstæl.jɪk/ or /ˈstæl.dʒɪk/. Keep the /l/ light and separate from the /dʒ/; ensure you don’t drop the /dʒ/ entirely. The key is crisp articulation of /st/ in the stressed syllable and a clean /dʒ/ onset in the final syllable.
🗣️ Voice search tip: These questions are optimized for voice search. Try asking your voice assistant any of these questions about "Nostalgic"!
- US: rhotic schwa in initial syllable can be reduced; stress on TAL; keep /æ/ open tall jaw; final /dʒɪk/ with a soft palatal stop. - UK: more pronounced short /ɒ/ or /ɒ/ in the first syllable; non-rhotic; ensure /dʒ/ is clear and not swallowed. - AU: similar to UK with subtle vowel width differences; keep /æ/ sonorous and avoid vowel reduction in the stressed syllable. IPA references: US /nəˈstæl.dʒɪk/, UK /nɒˈstæl.dʒɪk/, AU /nɒˈstæl.dʒɪk/.
Nostalgic derives from the Greek word nostalgía, itself from nístalgos (homecoming, a returning home) composed of nóstos (return home) and álgos (pain, ache). The term entered English in the 18th century as a medical or psychological concept describing a painful longing for one’s homelands. By the 19th century it broadened into a cultural mood, describing art, music, and literature that evoke longing for the past rather than a literal homesickness. Early uses framed nostalgia as a melancholic medical condition, later shifting toward a more generalized sentiment or mood. In modern usage, nostalgic often carries a warmth or aesthetic tone, sometimes with a playful or bittersweet edge, and it is widely applied to pop culture, fashion, and design to signal a retro or past-oriented vibe.
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
Help others use "Nostalgic" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "Nostalgic" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Nostalgic" 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 "Nostalgic"
-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.
