3 syllables: Sa, tan, ic. Stress on tan.
suh-TAN-ik
/səˈtænɪk/
Satanic is pronounced suh-TAN-ik (/səˈtænɪk/). It has three syllables (Sa-tan-ic), with the stress on "tan". Satanic is an adjective describing anything related to Satan or hellish, especially in a malevolent, cultic, or demonic sense. It is often used to characterize beliefs, symbols, or practices associated with Satan. The word carries strong cultural and religious connotations and can carry negative or provocative tones in many contexts.
adjectiveSatanic is an adjective describing anything related to Satan or hellish, especially in a malevolent, cultic, or demonic sense. It is often used to characterize beliefs, symbols, or practices associated with Satan. The word carries strong cultural and religious connotations and can carry negative or provocative tones in many contexts.
"The documentary explored the Satanic symbolism in the 1980s metal scene."
"Some conspiracy theories claim a Satanic influence behind certain organizations."
"She wore a pendant with a Satanic sigil, which sparked heated debates."
Satanic is pronounced sə-ˈtan-ik in US/UK/AU. Stress is on the second syllable: ta. Start with a schwa /sə/ then /ˈtæn/ with a short open ‘a’ as in ‘cat,’ then end with /ɪk/. IPA: səˈtæn.ɪk. Tip: keep the mid syllable light but clearly voiced; avoid a heavy “ta-” before the stress. You can listen to native pronunciation on Pronounce or Forvo for confirmation.
Two frequent errors: (1) stressing the first syllable instead of the second, saying /ˈseɪ.tæ.nɪk/ or /ˈsæ.tə.nɪk/. (2) converting /æ/ to a more open or centralized vowel or tripping into /eɪ/ or /æɪ/. Correction: keep the second syllable’s /æ/ clear and short, with /ˈtæn/ and a clipped final /ɪk/. Practice by saying sə-TAIN-ik slowly, then speed up while maintaining the stress on the second syllable.
In US/UK/AU, the core is səˈtæn.ɪk with rhoticity affecting only surrounding words, not the target; rhotic accents may link the /ɹ/ differently, but /tæn/ remains. Vowel quality is similar, but Australians may have a slightly more centralized /ə/ before the /ˈtæn/. The main variation is in connected speech and vowel length; stress and the /æ/ stay strong in all. Listen to native samples for subtle resonance differences.
The challenge comes from the middle stressed /ˈtæn/ and the quick transition to a high school–level reduced vowel in fast speech. The sequence /tæ/ to /n/ to /ɪ/ can blur in rapid speech, and some speakers may insert an extra vowel. Maintain a crisp /æ/ in the stressed syllable, keep the final /ɪk/ short, and avoid over-enunciating the /t/.
No. In Satanic, the first syllable is not stressed and begins with a neutral schwa /sə/ rather than an /s/ plus strong vowel. In careful speech, you might articulate the initial /s/ more clearly, but the vowel remains a reduced /ə/. The main focus for accuracy is ensuring the second syllable carries the primary stress: sə-ˈtæn-ɪk, with a crisp /t/ and clear /æ/.
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- US: rhotic linking is common; ensure /r/ isn’t interfering when it follows other words but you’ll keep /æ/ crisp in the second syllable. - UK: typically non-rhotic, but for this word, little difference except in surrounding speech; the /ˈtæn/ remains crisp. - AU: tends to be slightly broader vowels; keep /æ/ clear and avoid broadening to /æː/ in careful speech; practice with Australian samples and maintain /ɪk/ as a short ending.
Satanic comes from Satan, originally a Christian theological term for the adversary or devil. The suffix -ic forms adjectives meaning ‘of or pertaining to.’ The root Satan derives from Hebrew ha-satan, meaning ‘the accuser’ or ‘the adversary,’ appearing in biblical texts. In English, the term gained more general popular use in the early modern period, especially during religious and literary contexts that contrasted holy virtue with evil. By the 18th and 19th centuries, Satanic as an adjective described things connected with Satanic figures, later expanding to describe anything that resembles or suggests satanic or occult themes in art, music, and subcultures. First known usages appear in religious scholarship and polemics, with broader cultural bearing through literature and media in the 19th and 20th centuries, culminating in contemporary associations with occult symbolism and countercultural movements.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Satanic" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Satanic" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "Satanic"
-nic sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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