3 syllables: spa, ce, like. Stress on spa.
SPAY-sleyek
/ˈspeɪsˌlaɪk/
spacelike is pronounced SPAY-sleyek (/ˈspeɪsˌlaɪk/). It has three syllables (spa-ce-like), with the stress on "spa". Spacelike describes something that resembles or is characteristic of space, or of outer space in appearance or sense. It is often used in physics, astronomy, or speculative contexts to denote geometry, regions, or properties that are analogous to space-like intervals, surfaces, or conditions. The term functions as an adjective, sometimes in compound forms, to specify non-temporal, spatial characteristics.
Spacelike describes something that resembles or is characteristic of space, or of outer space in appearance or sense. It is often used in physics, astronomy, or speculative contexts to denote geometry, regions, or properties that are analogous to space-like intervals, surfaces, or conditions. The term functions as an adjective, sometimes in compound forms, to specify non-temporal, spatial characteristics.
- You often merge the two parts into one hurried syllable (SPACELIKE) instead of maintaining two components; fix by practicing SPACE + LIKE with a brief pause (even a tiny breath). - Mispronouncing /eɪ/ as a short /e/ or mixing with /æ/; rehearse the pure diphthong /eɪ/ by starting at /e/ then gliding to /ɪ/ or /ɪ/ toward /ɡ/ depending on speaker. - Final /k/ can be too aspirated or released; aim for a crisp but not exaggerated /k/ with release only as needed by the context.
"The spacelike separation between events in relativity theory is a key concept."
"Astronomers study spacelike regions of the universe where light signals cannot directly connect those points."
"The artist rendered a spacelike landscape with vast, empty valleys and star-filled skies."
You say SPACE-like. Phonetically: /ˈspeɪsˌlaɪk/. The primary stress falls on the first syllable SPACE, and the second syllable -like carries light stress or can be unstressed in rapid speech. Start with the /sp/ cluster, then /eɪ/ as in space, followed by /s/ then /laɪk/ as in line with a clear /l/ and a final /k/.
Two common pitfalls: (1) Slurring the /s/ into /p/ or dropping the /s/ after /eɪ/ leading to /ˈpeɪlaɪk/; ensure the /s/ after /speɪ/ is audible. (2) Misplacing the /l/ and blending /laɪk/ as /laɪk/ with minimal pause; keep a clean /l/ onset and crisp /aɪ/ diphthong before /k/. Practice separate segments: space + like, then combine.
US/UK/AU share /ˈspeɪsˌlaɪk/, but Americans may have a stronger rhotic style and slightly flatter /æɪ/ difference in fast speech; UK often more clipped with slightly longer /iː/ in some contexts though space-like keeps /eɪ/. Australian tends toward broader vowels with less rhotic emphasis; final /k/ is crisp in all varieties. Mouth posture remains similar, with subtle rhythm differences.
The challenge lies in the /speɪs/ cluster and the transition to /laɪk/. The /eɪ/ diphthong requires a controlled glide, then you switch to /l/ with a clear onset and a quick /aɪ/ sequence; the /k/ final can be unreleased in rapid speech. Coordinating the syllable boundary and stress between the two parts helps avoid a flattened or merged sound.
A unique aspect is the explicit two-syllable rhythm with distinct stress on SPACE and a secondary division before -like, so you feel a crisp pause or light separation: SPACE-like. Practicing with a brief pause between /speɪs/ and /laɪk/ can help maintain syllable clarity in fast technical talk.
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- US: emphasize rhotic, maintain clear /sp/ cluster and /eɪ/ glide; keep the /l/ light but present; - UK: slightly crisper overall; ensure non-rhotic influence doesn't blur the /r/ or vowel; keep /laɪk/ tightly enunciated; - AU: general vowel quality a touch more centralized; practice maintaining the /eɪ/ diphthong with a clear /l/ and crisp /k/; note less rhoticity compared to US.
Spacelike is formed from space + -like, a productive English suffix meaning “having the characteristics of” or “resembling.” The base word space traces to Old French espace from Latin spatium, meaning an area or expanse, itself from Greek spaṭion. The suffix -like has been productive since Middle English, attached to nouns to form adjectives (e.g., lifelike, seaside). The combining of space with -like to describe a quality relevant to geometry or physics became common in the 20th century with developments in relativity and cosmology. First known uses surface in technical literature of the early to mid-20th century as scientists described properties that are non-temporal and spatial in character, distinguishing spacelike from timelike intervals. Over time, spacelike entered broader scientific prose and, in some contexts, speculative fiction, to convey distances and separations that are not experienced as time-based phenomena. The term remains most prevalent in physics, mathematics, and astronomy, where precise distinctions between spacelike and timelike/ lightlike are crucial for causality and spacetime geometry.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "spacelike" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "spacelike" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "spacelike"
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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