3 syllables: nu, mer, ic. Stress on mer.
/nuˈmɛɹɪk/
Say it backNumeric describes numbers or numerical data, typically used as an adjective or noun. It conveys quantity, statistical, or digit-related information. In linguistics or computing, it can refer to a numeral or a value represented by digits. The term is concise, formal, and commonly appears in technical, mathematical, or data-driven contexts.
"The dataset contains numeric values only, with no textual labels."
"She analyzed the numeric pattern to predict the trend."
"In programming, numeric variables can be integers or floats."
Pronounce as /ˈnuː.mə.rɪk/ in US and /ˈnjuː.mə.rɪk/ in UK, with the first syllable stressed. The middle syllable is a schwa /ə/, and the final syllable ends with /k/. Keep the r-controlled second vowel as a quick, light syllable. Audio reference: standard dictionary pronunciations from Cambridge/Oxford can guide the rhythm.
Common errors are misplacing stress (treating it as /ˈnuː.mɪ.ɹɪk/ or /njuːˈmɛrɪk/), and mispronouncing the middle vowel as a full /ɪ/ or /ɛ/ instead of a reduced /ə/. Some speakers over-articulate the second syllable (/ˈnuː.mə-ɹɪk/). Correction: keep primary stress on the first syllable, use a clear /ə/ in the middle, and end with /ɪk/—avoid over-emphasizing the middle vowel.
In US, you’ll hear /ˈnuː.mɚ.ɪk/ with rhotacized /ɚ/ in the second syllable. UK tends to /ˈnjuː.mə.rɪk/ with a non-rhotic accent on the first syllable and a short /ɪ/ in the final syllable; AU mirrors UK but with a slightly more centralized /ə/. The main differences are vowel quality in the first syllable and rhoticity on the second.
Two challenges: first, the sequence of close front with a reduced central vowel can trip you up; second, the final /-mɪk/ cluster imitates a hard stop after /ɪ/ which some speakers glide. Focus on keeping a light, unstressed middle /ə/ and crisp /k/ without voicing it as /g/ or delaying the /ɪ/.
Numeric has no silent letters; all letters contribute to sound. The phonetic challenge is the schwa in the middle syllable and the final /k/ following a short vowel sound. Ensure you hear /ə/ before the /k/ and do not nasalize the final consonant.
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Numeric comes from the Latin scīre? The etymology traces to numerus, meaning 'number' in Latin, from which derive numeral and number. In English, numeric entered as a borrowing influenced by scientific terminology in the late 19th to early 20th centuries as disciplines like mathematics, statistics, and computer science grew in prominence. The root numer- means 'number' and is closely linked to words like numeral, enumerator, and enumerate. The suffix -ic in English often forms adjectives, conveying ‘pertaining to’ or ‘characteristic of.’ In the context of science and data, numeric evolved to specifically describe data types, values, or properties that pertain to numbers rather than text. The first known uses appear in technical writings of the late 1800s where scientists describe numeric data as separate from qualitative observations, a distinction that remains core to data analysis and numerical methods. Over time, numeric became a standard modifier in fields like statistics, computing, and engineering, signaling a precision or digit-based nature. Its precise, formal feel is well suited to technical prose and specification documents.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "numeric" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "numeric" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "numeric"
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