3 syllables: Sym, pho, ny. Stress on Sym.
SIM-fuh-nee
/ˈsɪmfəni/
Symphony is pronounced SIM-fuh-nee (/ˈsɪmfəni/). It has three syllables (Sym-pho-ny), with the stress on "Sym". Symphony is a long, complex musical composition for an orchestra, typically structured in multiple movements. It conveys a cohesive musical argument or mood, often showcasing thematic development and varied instrumentation. As a noun, it also refers to a harmonious, coordinated arrangement or group performance that evokes a sense of unity and grandeur.
nounSymphony is a long, complex musical composition for an orchestra, typically structured in multiple movements. It conveys a cohesive musical argument or mood, often showcasing thematic development and varied instrumentation. As a noun, it also refers to a harmonious, coordinated arrangement or group performance that evokes a sense of unity and grandeur.
"The concert hall filled with the rich interplay of strings and brass as the symphony unfolded."
"Her composition won praise for its dramatic contrasts and evolving themes in this orchestral symphony."
"They discussed the conductor’s interpretation of the symphony and how tempo shaped its emotional arc."
Symphony is pronounced /ˈsɪm.fə.ni/ in US and UK English. The stress is on the first syllable: SIM-fuh-nee. Break it into three syllables: sym-pho-ny, with the middle syllable reduced to a schwa. Pay attention to the /f/ sound linking the second syllable’s consonant cluster. You’ll want a clear, light final /i/ rather than an extended vowel. For listening practice, search for audio on Pronounce or YouGlish with “sympathy” as a similar rhythm, then replace with the correct consonant to avoid confusion. IPA: US/UK: /ˈsɪm.fə.ni/. Audio reference: consider native speakers saying “symphony” in concerts or language platforms.
Common mistakes include misplacing the stress (sYMPH-ony instead of SIM-pony) and merging syllables too tightly, yielding /ˈsɪmfəni/ with an offbeat second vowel. Another frequent error is mispronouncing the middle /f/ as /v/ or allowing an extra vowel sound in the second syllable, producing /ˈsɪm(v)əni/. Correct by stressing the first syllable, clearly articulating /f/ in the second syllable, and ending with a crisp /ni/ rather than a muted /nɪ/ or /ni/. Use slow repetition: /ˈsɪm.fə.ni/ and practice with natural rhythm drills.
In US, UK, and AU, the word remains three syllables with stress on the first. US tends to more pronounced /ɪ/ in the first syllable and a slightly reduced second vowel /ə/; UK maintains a similar pattern but may have crisper /f/ and a shorter final /i/. Australian often features a non-rhotic pronunciation with a schwa-like middle vowel and a lightly pronounced final /i/. Overall rhoticity is minimal in non-rhotic varieties, but the vowel qualities and vowel reductions differ subtly, while the stress pattern stays the same: SIM-fuh-nee.
The difficulty comes from three phonetic challenges: first, the unstressed middle syllable /fə/ reduces to a weak, schwa-like vowel, making it easy to mispronounce as /fə/ vs /fɪ/; second, the cluster /mp/ in the initial syllable requires precise timing to avoid a pause that breaks the word’s rhythm; third, ending /ni/ can sound like /niː/ or /nɪ/ depending on accent. Focus on keeping three clear syllables, with the primary stress on the first and a short, unaspirated /f/ between /m/ and /n/ in the middle, then a crisp /i/ at the end. IPA: /ˈsɪm.fə.ni/.
Symphony contains the phoneme sequence /sɪm/ + /fə/ + /ni/. The /m/ closes the first syllable, then /f/ begins the second with a very short, central vowel /ə/. The /n/ at the end of the second syllable links to the final /i/ without adding a separate vowel; ensure the transition from /f/ to /n/ is clean to avoid a lisp or lingering air. The primary stress is on /ˈsɪm/, giving the word a strong initial prominence, followed by a lighter, quick second and third syllables. IPA: /ˈsɪm.fə.ni/.
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Symphony derives from Greek symphōnia, from syn- 'together' and phōnḗ ‘sound, voice’, which evolved through Late Latin and Old French into English. The root idea emphasized ‘returning together in sound’—a coordinated musical ensemble. By the 17th century, the term began to denote organized, composite musical works featuring multiple movements, often with orchestral forces. In 18th-century Europe, composers refined the form, with figures like Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven expanding structural unity, thematic development, and orchestration. In English, symphonie appeared in translations and French influences before solidifying as ‘symphony’ by the Romantic era, when large-scale orchestral works became central to concert repertoire. First known usage in English literature circa the early 18th century aligns with the rise of orchestral music and public concert life in Britain and the Continent. The word’s meaning broadened from a general sense of harmonious sound to a formal genre name—an extended, multi-movement orchestral work highlighting unity, contrast, and progressive narrative across movements.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Symphony" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Symphony" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "Symphony"
-ery sounds
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