soo-pur-SAH-nik
/ˌsupɚˈsɑnɪk/
supersonic is pronounced soo-pur-SAH-nik (/ˌsupɚˈsɑnɪk/). Supersonic is an adjective describing speeds greater than the speed of sound, typically in air. It also refers to aviation or missiles designed to travel above Mach 1. In everyday use, it conveys extraordinary speed and high-velocity performance, often implying advanced technology or propulsion. The term is commonly applied in science, engineering, and media contexts.
Supersonic is an adjective describing speeds greater than the speed of sound, typically in air. It also refers to aviation or missiles designed to travel above Mach 1. In everyday use, it conveys extraordinary speed and high-velocity performance, often implying advanced technology or propulsion. The term is commonly applied in science, engineering, and media contexts.
"The new jet achieved supersonic flight, reducing the crossing time to under two hours."
"Researchers tested a supersonic wind tunnel to study shock waves."
"The supersonic train promises faster travel between major cities."
Pronounce as su-per-SO-nic with three syllables and primary stress on SO. IPA US: /ˌsuː.pɚˈsɒ.nɪk/; UK: /ˌsjuː.pəˈsɒn.ɪk/; AU: /ˌsuː.pəˈsɒ.nɪk/. Start with 'soo' as in 'soon', then a schwa in the second syllable, then 'SON' with primary stress, finishing with 'ik'. Mouth: lips relaxed, back of tongue raised for 'su', mid-central vowel in the second syllable, and a clear 'n' and final 'ik' with a light, quick 'i'.
Common errors: misplacing the stress by saying su-PER-sonic or sou-per-SO-nic; pronouncing the second syllable as a full 'er' without schwa; mispronouncing the final 'nic' as 'nick' or 'n-ik' with a dull vowel. Correction: keep the mid syllable as a reduced schwa /ɚ/ (or /ə/ in UK) and place primary stress on the third syllable: /ˌsuː.pəˈsɒ.nɪk/. Practicing the exact vowel qualities and maintaining clean consonants at the ends helps clarity.
US tends to preserve /ɪ/ in the final syllable 'nɪk' with a rhotic flavor on the preceding vowels and a stronger /ɚ/ in the second syllable. UK typically uses /ˌsjuː.pəˈsɒn.ɪk/ with non-rhoticity and a broader 'ɒ' in the stressed syllable. Australian blends US/UK traits with a relatively condensed second syllable and a more open front vowel in 'son'. Overall, main variation is in the vowel in the stressed syllable and the treatment of the second syllable’s vowel.
The difficulty lies in the multi-syllabic rhythm and the shift of stress to the third syllable, plus the subtle vowel in the second syllable and the final 'nic' ending. The /ˈsɒ.nɪk/ vs /sɑːnɪk/ distinction matters, and the 'su' vs 'sju' onset in some accents can be tricky. Also, the combination of 'super-' to 'sonic' creates a rapid sequence of consonants that can blur without slowing down. Focus on keeping the schwa, then stress on the 'son' syllable.
Yes, the 'p' is not silent and should be released clearly as part of the /ˈsɒ.nɪk/ segment, but it’s not heavily aspirated in this word. The 'p' belongs to the onset of the third syllable; ensure you keep a light, quick release to avoid an intrusive pause. Overall, the 'p' is subtle but audible in careful pronunciation; it helps avoid a slurred 'sonic'.
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Supersonic comes from the Latin prefix ultra- meaning 'above' or 'beyond' and the Greek root ‘sonikos’ from ‘phone’ or ‘sound,’ combined with the 'super-' from Latin meaning 'above.' The term was popularized in the 20th century with the advent of jet propulsion and the study of shock waves. First used in technical contexts to describe speeds exceeding Mach 1, supersonic entered broader media language as aviation and space exploration expanded. The word reflects a period of rapid technological advancement when engineers sought to surpass the sound barrier, leading to future designers’ pursuit of even higher velocities. As airspeed records were broken and supersonic travel became a symbol of cutting-edge engineering, the term evolved from a strictly scientific descriptor to a mainstream idiom denoting extraordinary speed and performance. Early usage often paired with flight or propulsion; later, it commonly appears in headlines and consumer media about fast aircraft, missiles, and high-velocity transport systems.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "supersonic" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "supersonic" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "supersonic"
-nic sounds
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