4 syllables: So, ci, o, path. Stress on So.
SOH-see-oh-path
/ˈsoʊsioʊˌpæθ/
Sociopath is pronounced SOH-see-oh-path (/ˈsoʊsioʊˌpæθ/). It has four syllables (So-ci-o-path), with the stress on "So". A sociopath is a person who exhibits persistent antisocial behavior, impaired empathy or remorse, and egotistical, deceitful, or manipulative traits. The term typically refers to someone with a personality disorder characterized by a disregard for social norms and the rights of others. It is a clinical label often used in psychology and criminology, though not a formal DSM diagnosis on its own.
nounA sociopath is a person who exhibits persistent antisocial behavior, impaired empathy or remorse, and egotistical, deceitful, or manipulative traits. The term typically refers to someone with a personality disorder characterized by a disregard for social norms and the rights of others. It is a clinical label often used in psychology and criminology, though not a formal DSM diagnosis on its own.
"The therapist diagnosed him as a sociopath after years of manipulative behavior."
"Some sociopaths blend into society, disguising their lack of empathy behind charm."
"Public figures with a history of calculated manipulation have been described as sociopaths by critics."
You pronounce it soh-SEE-uh-THOP with initial stress on the second syllable: /ˌsoʊˈsiˌəˌpæθ/ or more precisely /ˌsoʊˈsiˌəˌpath/ depending on transcription. Start with a long O in 'so,' then a clear 'see' for 'si,' a schwa in the 'o' position, and end with 'path' where /pæθ/ has a short, crisp 'a' as in 'path' in American English. You’ll feel the peak stress just before the final syllable. IPA references show the primary beat on the 'si' leading into the 'path'.
Common errors include flattening the second syllable so it sounds like 'SO-see-uh-path' with wrong stress, and mispronouncing the final 'path' as 'path' with a long a or an unaspirated 'th.' Focus on: 1) correct secondary stress before the final suffix, 2) crisp /pæθ/ rather than /peɪθ/, and 3) keeping the schwa in the middle syllable rather than merging vowels. Practice by isolating each component and then combining with proper rhythm.
In US English, you’ll hear /ˌsoʊˈsiəˌpæθ/ with rhotic r-less 'path' and a clear /æ/ in final syllable. UK English typically uses /ˌsəʊˈsɪəˌpɑːθ/ with a more centralized or shorter vowel in the middle and a broader /ɑː/ in the final syllable; the 'si' is often shorter, and the final 'th' is a voiceless dental /θ/. Australian tends toward /ˌsəʊˈsiːəˌpæθ/ with vowel mergers and a flatter intonation, but still preserves three-syllable rhythm. Across all, the main differences lie in vowel quality and rhoticity.
Difficulty comes from the multi-syllabic structure with three stressed positions and the final /θ/ consonant cluster. The combination /siə/ or /siˈə/ requires quick tongue transitions and clean alveolar frication for the /θ/. English speakers may misplace stress, lengthen or reduce vowels, or incorrectly voice the final /θ/. Practice focusing on distinct syllable boundaries, accurate /s/ and /θ/ articulation, and maintaining the schwa tone between syllables.
A unique feature is the sequence of vowel quality around the middle: the 'si' often carries the main perceptual weight, while the middle 'o' is a light schwa. People commonly mispronounce it as 'so-CHEE-a-path' or drag the middle sound. Keep the middle vowel as a short, relaxed schwa or a very light 'i' sound, and ensure the /θ/ at the end is a crisp dental fricative. This keeps the word sounding natural and precise.
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The term sociopath derives from the combination of the suffix -ic or -path with socio- (society) and -path from Greek -pathos meaning feeling or disease. The modern concept arose in the early 20th century as psychiatry sought to classify personality and behavior patterns. Sociopath is often used interchangeably with psychopathy or antisocial personality disorder, though it is more a descriptor of social and behavioral patterns than a formal diagnostic label. The word “sociopath” first appeared in psychiatric literature in the early 1900s as clinicians debated the roles of social environment and innate temperament in shaping antisocial conduct. The prefix “socio-” emphasizes social interaction and norms, while the root “-path” implies a disease-like condition or feeling state. Over time, popular use broadened the term to critique individuals whose manipulative behavior appears socially calculated rather than instinctual, though the exact boundaries with related terms continue to be debated in both clinical and criminological contexts.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Sociopath" and can often be used interchangeably.
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Words that rhyme with "Sociopath"
-ath sounds
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