5 syllables: Sa, do, ma, so, chism. Stress on ma.
sad-oh-MAS-oh-kiz-uhm
/sædoʊˈmæsoʊkɪzəm/
Sadomasochism is pronounced sad-oh-MAS-oh-kiz-uhm (/sædoʊˈmæsoʊkɪzəm/). It has five syllables (Sa-do-ma-so-chism), with the stress on "ma". Sadomasochism is a sexual practice or aesthetic involving simultaneous or alternating elements of pain and pleasure, power and submission. It is a complex, often private domain explored within consensual adult relationships, with practices ranging from psychological role-play to physical sensations. The term also encompasses broader cultural, literary, and academic discussions of desire, control, and boundary-testing.
nounSadomasochism is a sexual practice or aesthetic involving simultaneous or alternating elements of pain and pleasure, power and submission. It is a complex, often private domain explored within consensual adult relationships, with practices ranging from psychological role-play to physical sensations. The term also encompasses broader cultural, literary, and academic discussions of desire, control, and boundary-testing.
How to Pronounce Sadomasochism
"In some circles, sadomasochism is explored through negotiated limits and clear safewords."
"The documentary examined how consent and communication underpin safe sadomasochism practices."
"Academic studies often analyze sadomasochism as part of human sexuality and power dynamics."
Break it as sa-do-MA-so-chism, with four syllables and primary stress on the third: sa-do-ma-SO-chism. IPA US: sadoʊˈmeɪkoʊˌɪzəm. IPA UK: sædɒˈməkɪz(ɪ)m. IPA AU: sædæˈmɒsəkɪz(ə)m. Mouth positions: start with /s/ and /æ/ or /a/, then /ɪ/ or /eɪ/ in the middle, ending with /zəm/ or /kɪz(ə)m/. Listening to audio will help lock the rhythm; try an online dictionary or pronunciation tool for audio reference.
Two common errors: (1) stressing the wrong syllable (you may say sad-O-mah-scoh-ism); (2) merging syllables too quickly (sadodem-ah-skim). Correct by marking the stress on MA: sa-do-MA-so-chism, and enunciate each syllable clearly: /səˈdɒməˌsoʊˌklɪz(ə)m/ depending on variant. Practice with slow, syllable-by-syllable reading, then speed up while keeping the same rhythm.
US: sadoʊˈmeɪkoʊˌɪzəm with clear /oʊ/ and /eɪ/ vowels, rhotic /r/ absence isn't applicable here. UK: sædɒˈməkɪz(ɪ)z(ə)m with shorter /ɒ/ and less vowel length; AU: sædæˈmɒsəkɪz(ə)m often features steadier, flatter intonation and non-rhotic /r/ effect. All share four syllables; main differences lie in vowel quality, rhoticity, and stress emphasis slightly shifting, so listen to a native speaker in each locale.
Three factors: (1) a long, unfamiliar sequence of morphemes (sad-o-ma-scho-ism) that tempts mis-stress. (2) The mid vowels /ɒ/ vs /ɒː/ and diphthongs /eɪ/ or /oʊ/ can be tricky for non-native speakers. (3) The final -ism adds an extra syllable and cluster. Focus on the stressed /ˈma/ or /mɔ/ portion depending on variant, enunciate each syllable, and practice with minimal pairs to stabilize rhythm.
The word is a compound of two roots and a suffix, creating a four-syllable sequence with primary emphasis near the middle- or third syllable depending on speaker. The natural rhythm is sa-DO-ma-SCHO-ism, with a shorter, almost weak middle vowels, then a stronger secondary peak at the fourth syllable before final consonant. Practicing with deliberate syllable pacing helps anchor the stress.
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Sadomasochism blends two roots drawn from 19th-century French and German. The prefix sado- derives from the French word sadisme (from French author Marquis de Sade, 1740–1814), who theorized pleasure from domination and the infliction of pain. The suffix -masochism originates from the Austrian writer Leopold von Sacher-Masoch (1836–1895), who depicted sexual gratification from submission and pain in his novella Venus in Furs. The portmanteau first appeared in the psychological literature in the early 20th century, with Sigmund Freud and later Wilhelm Stekel discussing masochism as a component of sexuality. The term consolidated into common usage during the rise of BDSM communities in the late 20th century, expanding from clinical chatter to mainstream cultural discourse. Over time, sadomasochism has evolved to signify a spectrum of consensual practices beyond explicit pain, including role-play, power exchange, and psychological play, all anchored in negotiated boundaries and consent.
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Words that rhyme with "Sadomasochism"
-ism sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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